Page 154 - Tzurba M'Rabanan Volume1

152 · Halachot of Sorcery, Magic, and Superstition Tzurba M’Rabanan

Summary of Halachot of Sorcery,

Magic, and Superstition

Omens and Signs/Menachesh

1. It is prohibited to lead our lives based on signs and omens (such as saying that
it is a significant omen if one’s bread falls from one’s mouth).
a. How did Eliezer and Yonatan act based on signs?
i. Tosafot - Eliezer only gave Rivka the jewelry after she identified herself;
Yonatan only gave his sign to encourage himself.
ii. Ran – The signs they used were logical and therefore permitted.
iii. Torah Temima – Using signs and omens is only prohibited if one doesn’t
say that it is from G-d. Since they recognized the hand of G-d it was
permitted.
b. Auspicious signs are permitted
i. Gemara Horayot – One should eat special foods on Rosh Hashana to serve
as auspicious signs.
ii. Mordechai – This is permitted because they are based on Torah sources
and are done as a positive sign.
iii. Yalkut Yosef – Other activities done for the same reason are also permitted.
c. Shulchan Aruch – Previous events, such as building a house or having a child
may be used as a sign.

Astrology and Lotteries

1. It is prohibited to consult astrologers or cast lots.
2. However, the use of lotteries does appear in the Tanach and in the Gemara
concerning brothers dividing an estate inherited from their father.
3. The rule according to Responsa Vayashav Hayam is as follows:
a. A lottery to divide between partners is permissible.
b. A lottery to decide and obligate someone for an act that was done can only be
done with Ruach Hakodesh.
c. A lottery to know the future is prohibited due to the mitzva of “be
wholehearted with Hashem.”

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