Page 155 - Tzurba M'Rabanan Volume1

ןנברמ אברוצ םנועמו ,ףשכמ ,שחנמ תוכלה · 153

Me’onein and Sorcery

1. Gemara Sanhedrin 65b offers different definitions of me’onein:
a. Rabbi Shimon – Actions involving sorcery.
b. Rabbis – Deceiving of the eyes.
c. Rabbi Akiva – Calculating opportune times.

2. Gemara Sanhedrin 67b – Deceiving of the eyes is exempt biblically but still
prohibited by rabbinic law.

3. Rambam – There is a contradiction between his rulings about deceiving of the eyes.
a. Avoda Zara 11:9 – Deceiving of the eyes is included in the definition of
me’onein as calculating opportune times (like the Rabbis and Rabbi Akiva).
b. Avoda Zara 11:15 – One does not receive lashes for deceiving of the eyes (like 67b).
4. Commentaries have given different answers to resolve the contradiction:
a. Maharik – If he acts as if he is doing a supernatural act, he receives lashes; if he
explains to people that he is doing something natural, he doesn’t receive lashes.
b. Kesef Mishneh – He always receives lashes, and when the Rambam states that
he doesn’t get lashes, the intent was that he doesn’t receive double lashes.
c. Bach, Shach – One who performs deception of the eyes with sorcery receives
lashes; without sorcery no lashes are given, but it is prohibited.
d. Chochmat Adam – It is prohibited to invite a magician because of “lifnei iver.”
5. The practical halacha
a. Shevet HaLevi and Yechaveh Daat – Deception of the eyes and sleight of hand
is prohibited even for rejoicing with a chattan and kalla.
b. Divrei Yetziv – It is permitted when one discloses that he does so through
sleight of hand.
c. B’tzeil Hachochma – Using sleight of hand is permitted, but when one hides
the object, further analysis is needed.
d. Igrot Moshe – If the magician reveals that he is performing tricks in a natural
way through sleight of hand it is permitted. However, in practice, if he could he
would avoid issuing a practical ruling in deference to those who prohibit it.

Sefer Yetzira

1. Gemara – It is permitted to use it to create a person.
2. Does a Golem count towards a minyan?
a. Mishna Berura – The Chacham Tzvi wasn’t sure.
b. Chazon Ish – He doesn’t count as he is not Jewish and perhaps not even a person.

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