Page 158 - Tzurba M'Rabanan Volume1

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

relying on it, and thus permissible.
The Nimukei Yosef similarly explains that any
15
omen which is not fully relied upon is not prohib-
ited. Nonetheless, the Nimukei Yosef adds that the
proper attitude is not to occupy oneself with such ac-
tivities, but rather to put all one’s trust into the Crea-
tor of the world.
Employing a more rational approach, the Meiri
16
explains that the Simanim of Rosh Hashana are not
used as omens, Heaven forbid, rather they are sim-
ply “props” used to inspire repentance and arouse
the desire for good deeds. The additional prayer said
with each of the Simanim, a practice not found in the
Gemara but brought down by the Geonim, is a sup-
port to this idea. But of course it is not the Simanim
or even the prayer by themselves which are accom-
plishing anything. Rather, repentance and good
deeds are the central tenet of the practice.
The Maharal and the Chayei Adam, based
18
17
on the Ramban, take a more mystical approach. The
Ramban explains that everything the patriarchs
19
went through was an omen for their future descend-
ants. Avraham’s descent to Egypt, the digging of the
wells, and all their journeys happened and were re-
counted in the Torah for the sake of the future gen-
erations. The Ramban explains further that when a
higher macro-decree is pre-manifested in parallel
micro-form in this world, then the micro-decree will
certainly manifest itself in its fullness as well.
Accordingly, the Maharal and Chayei Adam ex-
plain, that we eat the Simanim on Rosh Hashana –
the micro-manifestation of a good decree – in order
that the higher macro-decree should follow. Hence,
the Simanim are not merely symbolic or a prop, but
rather have metaphysical attributes (see also Haga-
hot Chochmat Shlomo 583:1, whose explanation is
perhaps based on the same tenets).

15. Nimukei Yosef, Sanhedrin 16b
16. Beit HaBechira, Horayot 12a
17. Maharal, Be’er Hagola 2:7
18. Chayei Adam 139:6
19. Ramban on the Torah, Bereishit 12:6

This volume is not to be distributed. Copies are for the personal use of purchaser only.