Protection from the Evil Eye

Rosh Hashanah 29

Today’s Life Yomi is dedicated by Gordon Bushewsky in honour of his wife Darlene’s and his birthdays.  Till 120 in good health!

Do we believe in the zodiac?

Does wearing a red string protect against the evil eye?

Does a hamsa on the wall protect the house?

Following the Exodus from Egypt, the army of Amalek attacked the Children of Israel.  Moses climbs to the top of the hill for all Israel to see. 

“And when Moses lifted his hands, Israel was more powerful, but when Moses lowered his hands, Amalek was more powerful.”

The Mishnah asks:  Do Moses’s hands make war or break war?

The Mishnah explains:  The Torah is teaching that as long as Israel turned their gaze Heaven-ward and subjugated their hearts to their Father in Heaven, they would be empowered.  Otherwise, they would fall. 

Similarly, when the Israelites complained against G-d in the desert, He sent a plague of snakes, which afflicted the people.  When the people realized their transgression, they repented and requested a cure.  G-d told Moses “Make for yourself a serpent and place it on a pole.  Anyone who has been bitten shall see it and live.”

The Mishnah asks: Does a snake kill or give life?

The Mishnah explains: The Torah is teaching that as long as Israel turned their gaze Heaven-ward and subjugated their hearts to their Father in Heaven, they would be healed.  Otherwise, they would perish. 

Exasperated, Abram says to G-d that he has seen in the stars that he and Sarai are not destined to have children.

“And [G-d] took him outside and He said count the stars if you can count them.  And he said so shall be your offspring.”

The Talmud explains that G-d explained to Abram that he need not live his life according to the dictates of the stars.  Most people choose to live their lives under the dominion of the zodiac and one segulah (good luck charm) or another.  But G-d instructed Abram that he could be ‘outside’ the stars.  He could have a direct relationship with the Almighty.

When you direct your eyes Heaven-ward and subjugate your heart to our Father in Heaven, you don’t need any red strings or hamsas.  You get your energy and life-force directly from the Almighty without any need for intermediaries. 

Connect with G-d directly!  Why turn to bobomayses for help when you can have a direct line to the Almighty?

Life Yomi dedications don’t cost a penny!  To dedicate a day of learning in honour of a birthday, anniversary or yortzeit, all you need to do is commit to sending the Life Yomi of the day (or another Life Yomi teaching of your choice) to 18 (chai) people!  You needn’t provide us with the names of recipients; all we need is the honouree’s name and occasion.  For more details, please email rabbi@familyshul.org.