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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dan on July 15, 2010, 06:08:01 AM

Title: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Dan on July 15, 2010, 06:08:01 AM: Gov. Paterson is counting on a Madonna-blessed higher power to lead him out of the mess in Albany.

The lame-duck governor has begun wearing a red string kabbalah bracelet - just like the Material Girl - in an eyebrow-raising bid to deflect ill will.

"It was explained to the governor that the red string is a symbol of protection [that] wards off problems and tribulations," Paterson spokesman Morgan Hook said.

"His attitude was that he'll take all the help he can get."

Paterson could be forgiven for turning to a little divine protection.

In the past six months he's found himself under investigation, dumped his reelection bid as a result, and wrestled with the Legislature over the state budget.

So he's apparently trying his luck with the trendy talisman favored by followers of the mystical Jewish discipline. But unlike Madonna, Demi Moore and Britney Spears, Paterson is not yet one of the devoted, a spokesman said.

"Kabbalah didn't change his life, just to be clear here," Hook said.

Either way, Paterson may not be getting all the spiritual backup he hopes for - the bracelet is customarily worn on the left wrist, while the governor is seen in photos wearing it on his right.

Paterson's spiritual shift was set in motion this spring when the Catholic-raised pol visited the Queens burial site of a venerated rabbi.

It was at the Union Field Cemetery in Ridgewood, housing the body of Rabbi Jacob Joseph, who died in 1902 and whose tomb has become a sacred site visited by thousands of Jews, that Paterson learned about the little red string.

Kabbalah followers believe that the $26 bracelet wards off the "evil eye" and brings about good fortune.

It appears to be the accessory of choice for high-profile New Yorkers facing controversy.

Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez sported a red kabbalah string on his left wrist last year when he confessed in a TV interview to using steroids. At the time, A-Rod was linked to Madonna.

Kabbalah teachings date back 4,000 years.

According to the Kabbalah Centre's Web site, its "sages have taught that every human being is born with the potential for greatness. Kabbalah is the means for activating that potential."

The exact date Paterson began wearing the red string isn't clear, but may have been around February when he came under scrutiny for having intervened in a domestic-violence case involving his former top aide, David Johnson.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/07/15/2010-07-15_govs_strung_out_wary_of_evil_forces_and_gopers_paterson_gives_kabbalah_charm_a_s.html
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: mord on July 15, 2010, 06:11:03 AM: :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D :::D what a dope,look at our Govt filled with idiots
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 05:38:46 PM: what a moron.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Rubystars on July 15, 2010, 05:53:21 PM: That was a funny part of the article about him wearing it on the wrong wrist.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 06:24:28 PM: Quote from: Dan on July 15, 2010, 06:08:01 AM

Kabbalah followers believe that the $26 bracelet wards off the "evil eye" and brings about good fortune.

NY dailynews needs to revise this sentence. It should say "Phony non-kaballah cult-followers" instead of kaballah followers.

No matter what wrist it is worn on, all rabbis agree that the red bracelet is a hoax and no actual kabalist is seen with this nonsense. Just the non-Jewish and Jewish "translators" of zohar and their money-making schemes.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: angryChineseKahanist on July 15, 2010, 06:49:46 PM: How does he know what color it is?
He's blind.

BTW did anyone tell him he's black?
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:02:45 PM: The red string does absolutely nothing for you unless you are observing the Torah... Kabalah is not a shortcut which can be used to bypass the 613 commandments... The only way Kaballah can be understood is with a complete mastery of Chumash, Tanakh, and Talmud... Anyone seen wearing these red-strings can be immediately labeled as an idiot.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Sentinel For Truth on July 15, 2010, 07:25:19 PM: This Kabbalah obsession seems like such strange superstition. I've never believed in the power of objects to "ward of evil".
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:29:19 PM: Quote from: Sentinel For Truth on July 15, 2010, 07:25:19 PM
This Kabbalah obsession seems like such strange superstition. I've never believed in the power of objects to "ward of evil".

That is not what it is supposed to do... The issue in Judaism is called the Ayin Hara, the evil eye... There is a fully rational explanation of what the Ayin Hara is, and I believe that Ayin Hara exists {I witness it every day}.

http://ohr.edu/ask/ask051.htm

What is an "Ayin Hara"?

Contents

Sue Perstishous from Salem, Massachusetts wrote:

Dear Rabbi,

After saying "Bli Ayin Hara" recently, I was wondering, "What is an Ayin Hara"?

Dear Sue,

The belief in Ayin Hara is not a superstition but is well founded on references from the earliest Jewish texts. Sarah "gives" Hagar an Ayin Hara, causing her to miscarry her first pregnancy. Yaakov warns his sons not to be seen together so as not to incur Ayin Hara. Another example is King Saul's jealousy of the future King David who is credited with greater military prowess and "gives" him an Ayin Hara.

The Talmud quotes Rabbi Yochanan as saying "I am a descendant of Yosef over whom Ayin Hara had no control." The Talmud also says that fish represent a form of life that is free of the influence of Ayin Hara. According to one opinion of the Talmud, a first-born daughter prevents Ayin Hara from affecting the family.

Ayin Hara also has Halachic ramifications. The Talmud states that it is forbidden to stand in a neighbor's field when the crops are fully grown. Rashi explains that this is forbidden because of Ayin Hara.

Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler in a letter to his father asked "Where is the justice in a system that causes people to suffer for the jealousies of others?" Rabbi Dessler answered that what happens is the following: One person who has what another person lacks is "careless" and lets the other person see what he has. This causes pain to the other person, and his cry goes up to the Heavenly court.

The lesson in all of this is that we must learn to be sensitive to others, and not flaunt what we have. Many people yearn to have what others have, and suffer real pain when they see others casually flaunt those things. True, they shouldn't be jealous, but we cannot expect everyone to be a Tzaddik. Divine justice demands retribution for causing this pain to another person.

You mention that you say "Bli Ayin Hara" (literally "Without the Evil Eye"). In Yiddish it is rendered as "Ken Ayin Hara." We say this as a prayer to Hashem, so that if there are any silent cries going up to the Heavenly court, He will not listen to them, and He will protect us from any harm. There are other Ayin Hara "antidotes" such as tying red strings around one's wrist, and the "Hamsa" ("Five-Fingers"). Be careful not to use any remedy or prevention unless it is commonly used by Jews, since some practices are forms of witchcraft. The best protection is to behave modestly and with a genuine concern for the feelings of others.

Sources:

* Bereshit 16:5, Rashi.
* Bereshit 42:5, Rashi.
* Shmuel 1,18:9.
* Tractate Berachot - 20a.
* Tractate Bava Batra - 141a.
* Tractate Bava Batra - 2b.
* Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler - Michtav M'Eliyahu, vol. 3, pp.313-314; vol. 4, pp.5-6.

http://www.torah.org/learning/integrity/abovetheeye.html

Above the Eye
By Rabbi Daniel Travis

Yosef is a fruitful branch; a fruitful branch alei ayin – by the well. (Bereshith 49:22)

The words “alei ayin – by the well” – can also be read as “olei ayin – raised above the eye.” Thus the Torah here implies that the “ayin hara” (the adverse effects of being looked upon with evil or harmful intent) would have no effect upon Yosef’s descendents.

Accustomed to modern scientific advancements, it is hard for us to understand how an “evil eye” can cause harm to someone, yet Kabbalistic literature explains that the eye is the most spiritual organ of the body, and as such it has deep metaphysical power. The power of the eye is so awesome that once when Rav was in a cemetery he made the extraordinary statement that ninety-nine percent of its inhabitants were there as a result of ayin hara. Halachah recognizes ayin hara as an actual danger, and therefore it is forbidden to stare enviously at any project a person is involved with.

If someone is afraid of an ayin hara, he should declare, “I am a descendant of Yosef, against whom the ayin hara can wield no power.” Considering that most Jews do not know from which tribe they are descended, how can anyone make this statement honestly? Since Yosef sustained the entire Jewish people for many years in Egypt, he merited to have his name associated with all Jewish people throughout the ages. Therefore it is not sheker for any Jew to make this declaration, even someone who knows that he is not descended from Yosef.

Another precaution to take to avoid an ayin hara is to refrain from praising or showing off any particular quality or item that one possesses. Someone who becomes aware of your good fortune may be jealous or resentful, and this attitude can cause an ayin hara. Because of this very real danger, it is permissible to denigrate something you possess for the sake of avoiding an ayin hara. Although Moshe Rabbeinu’s wife Ziporah was exceedingly beautiful, the Torah refers to her in a most unflattering way, to ward off any potential ayin hara that might otherwise have resulted.

1. Rashi on Bereshith 49:22.

2. Zohar, Vayechi 226:1.

3. Bava Metzia 107b.

4. Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Nizkei Mamon 11. See also Chazon Ish at the beginning of his commentary on Bava Bathra, where he discusses this issue at length.

5. Brachoth 55b.

6. Chidah, Drash l’pi ma’arechet ayin.

7. Rashi on Bamidbar 12:1.

More links about Ayin Hara:

http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/741946/Lebor,_Rabbi_David
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: MassuhDGoodName on July 15, 2010, 07:31:41 PM: Re: "Anyone seen wearing these red-strings can be immediately labeled as an idiot.
"

Did I say Pee Wee was attempting to put out a fire started when his cigarette lighter went off in his pants pocket?

Forgive me...I got the story wrong.

It wasn't that he was masturbating in a gay porn movie house...

HE WAS FRAMED!

His special red 'Kabala string' that he was wearing on his right wrist got caught in his pants zipper, and Pee Wee was yanking it up and down, up and down, over and over, over and over... trying to get the string uncaught and out of the zipper!

;D
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:44:38 PM: A little more about the Ayin Hara:

http://www.artscroll.com/Chapters/lish-004.html

...

Two of the scariest words in the Jewish language are ayin hara, the evil eye. People are afraid of ayin hara. How’s your baby? Fine, pooh, pooh, pooh. The concept of ayin hara, the evil eye, is the great equalizer of the Jewish people. Chasidim are afraid of ayin hara. Misnagdim are afraid of ayin hara. Ashkenazim are afraid of ayin hara, Sephardim are afraid of ayin hara. Religious Jews are afraid of ayin hara. Secular Jews are afraid of ayin hara. Everyone is afraid of ayin hara.

I once heard that a baseball player on the New York Yankees was asked by a sports reporter from the New York Times, “To what do you attribute the improvement in your performance this year?”

So this ballplayer, who is a total Italian gentile, sticks out his arm to show off the roite bendel he’s wearing around his wrist. For anyone who is not familiar with the roite bendel, it is a little red string bracelet which supposedly wards off the ayin hara. “I don’t know for sure,” he says, “but my grandmother from Sicily, she sent me this little red thing, and I wear it all the time, and I’m doing much better.”

Apparently Sicilians worried about ayin hara, too.

I once saw a license plate on a very expensive automobile which read K9HARA. K Nine Hara, or rather, Kain Ayin Hara, which in Yiddish means, let there be no evil eye. I kid you not.

This ayin hara business, by the way, is not superstitious nonsense. According to the Gemara, it is one of the most lethal forces in the world. So how does it work? Can someone looking at me the wrong way affect me? Can someone giving me the evil eye cause injury to me? Even if I’m innocent? Even if I haven’t done anything wrong? Even if I’m minding my own business?

Rav Eliahu Dessler, in his classic Michtav M’Eliahu, suggests that ayin hara cannot affect a person who is guiltless. Ayin hara can only affect a person who arouses envy in other people. In America we are told, “If you have it, flaunt it!” But the Torah begs to differ. If we have it and flaunt it, thereby causing envy in others, we are most definitely doing something wrong. And if we do arouse envy, the consequence is that we become vulnerable to the evil eye.

So what is the antidote? asks Rav Dessler. How can we protect ourselves if we are fortunate enough to have a wonderful home, wonderful children, a wonderful wife, a wonderful salary, a wonderful job? The only way, he explains, is to become a giver to the community rather than a taker. People look kindly on givers. They are inclined to be generous with people who give generously of their time, their money and their energies. But those who hoard it and flaunt it, who are miserly with the gifts Hashem has granted them, are not as pure as the driven snow. People are not inclined to cut them any slack, and thus, they become vulnerable to ayin hara.

So we see clearly that being envious can destroy us and causing others to be envious of us can also destroy us. So what do we do? How do contend with this overwhelming human tendency that ensnared such great people as Kayin, Yosef’s brothers and Shaul Hamelech? What’s the key?

The Gemara (Shabbos 152b) discusses the verse (Mishlei 14:30), “Urekav atzamos kin’ah. Jealousy rots the bones” What does this mean? The Gemara explains, “If a person is jealous in this world, his bones will decompose after he dies. But if he is not jealous in this world, his bones will remain intact after his death.” In effect, one of the punishments for being jealous is post-mortem decomposition.

We know that Hashem punishes midah keneged midah, measure for measure. Therefore, there must be some connection between decomposition of the bones and being jealous. What is that connection?

The connection, I believe, goes to the very root of jealousy. A person who is jealous is fundamentally unhappy with who he is. He would much rather be someone else. He is unhappy with his wife. He is unhappy with his family. He is unhappy with his job. He is unhappy with his position. He wants to be someone else. He rejects who he is, his atzmius, his very essence. Therefore, he loses his atzamos, his bones, to decomposition.

...

PS: I worry about Ayin Hara every day when I drive to work in my 2008 Mustang GT {Bli Ayin Hara}... Everyone looks at me when I drive and has envy for my car... Often people compliment me about the car, but I am sure that there are those who give me the Ayin Hara..
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 07:58:54 PM: Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:29:19 PM
Quote from: Sentinel For Truth on July 15, 2010, 07:25:19 PM
This Kabbalah obsession seems like such strange superstition. I've never believed in the power of objects to "ward of evil".

That is not what it is supposed to do... The issue in Judaism is called the Ayin Hara, the evil eye... There is a fully rational explanation of what the Ayin Hara is, and I believe that Ayin Hara exists {I witness it every day}.

What does it have to do with red string? Bullcrap.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 07:59:38 PM: Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:02:45 PM
The red string does absolutely nothing for you unless you are observing the Torah...

If you are observing the Torah, it also does nothing.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:00:20 PM: Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 07:59:38 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:02:45 PM
The red string does absolutely nothing for you unless you are observing the Torah...

If you are observing the Torah, it also does nothing.

Apparently there is a belief that the red-string does ward off the ayin hara...

Here is what Chabads AskMoses Rabbi says about it:

http://www.askmoses.com/en/article/424,1769676/What-are-those-red-strings-I-see-people-wearing-around-their-wrists.html

What are those red strings I see people wearing around their wrists?

The red strings are quite simply superstitions with no basis in Scripture or Jewish Law. There does seem to be a custom of wrapping a red string around the Tomb of Rachel1 , to ward off the “evil eye.” But again, this “tradition” may well have its origins in non-Jewish superstitions. The strings are being presented as protection against the “evil eye” by unscrupulous peddlers who want to make a quick buck from unsuspecting people.

If one wears the red string as a momento of a visit to Rachel's Tomb, that would not be a terrible thing in my opinion.

But what if someone believes in the 'power' of such a string? Does the Torah permit such a belief? It reminds me of a story about the famous quantum physicist Neils Bohr. A friend of his noticed that he had a horseshoe above his front door and asked him, "What? Do you, Niels Bohr the famous scientist, believe in such nonsense?" "No," he replied, "but they say it works even if you don't believe in it." In the case of the red string I would say, "it doesn't work even if you do believe in it."

Is it against the Torah? The Torah tells us to remain faithfully wholehearted in our belief in G-d.2 G-d gives us the Commandments that we need to fulfill, and how to fulfill them as laid out in the Code of Jewish Law. We don't need to search high and low for dubious good luck charms.

Of course, there are certain segulot prescribed by Kabbalists and saintly rabbis, but the red string is not one of them, as far as I am aware. If you have a specific issue that needs attention, you would be advised to discuss it with a competent rabbi, kabbalist or Torah teacher.

[This shouldn’t be confused with the (white or blue) strings you see hanging near the pockets of men’s pants. They are in fact strings tied to the edges of a four-cornered garment worn by orthodox Jewish men in fulfillment of Biblical commandment in the verse “They shall make fringes upon the corners of their garments.”]3
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:04:09 PM: Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:44:38 PM

PS: I worry about Ayin Hara every day when I drive to work in my 2008 Mustang GT {Bli Ayin Hara}...

LOL, really? If so, then why did you mention it here?
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:05:33 PM: Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:04:09 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:44:38 PM

PS: I worry about Ayin Hara every day when I drive to work in my 2008 Mustang GT {Bli Ayin Hara}...

LOL, really? If so, then why did you mention it here?

I have mentioned it here before and I needed to mention it in order to explain why I worry about Ayin Hara...
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:05:48 PM: Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:00:20 PM
Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 07:59:38 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:02:45 PM
The red string does absolutely nothing for you unless you are observing the Torah...

If you are observing the Torah, it also does nothing.

Apparently there is a belief that the red-string does ward off the ayin hara...

Here is what Chabads AskMoses Rabbi says about it:

http://www.askmoses.com/en/article/424,1769676/What-are-those-red-strings-I-see-people-wearing-around-their-wrists.html

What are those red strings I see people wearing around their wrists?

The red strings are quite simply superstitions with no basis in Scripture or Jewish Law.

Wait a second. I just read this: "The red strings are quite simply superstitions with no basis in Scripture or Jewish Law. " And yet you are quoting me a passage which contains this statement as somehow defending a basis for red strings. I think you have an issue with reading comprehension here.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:08:38 PM: Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:05:33 PM
Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:04:09 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:44:38 PM

PS: I worry about Ayin Hara every day when I drive to work in my 2008 Mustang GT {Bli Ayin Hara}...

LOL, really? If so, then why did you mention it here?

I have mentioned it here before and I needed to mention it in order to explain why I worry about Ayin Hara...

You must not have understood the implications of my question.

If that vehicle makes you worry about ayin hara, then mentioning here that you drive it should only make you worry more. Because now you have to be worried about the whole forum.

If you had said you drove that in the past, I didn't remember because I don't really care about that stuff. Likewise, this time I hope I won't remember nor care about what car muman drives.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:08:59 PM: Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:05:48 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:00:20 PM
Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 07:59:38 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:02:45 PM
The red string does absolutely nothing for you unless you are observing the Torah...

If you are observing the Torah, it also does nothing.

Apparently there is a belief that the red-string does ward off the ayin hara...

Here is what Chabads AskMoses Rabbi says about it:

http://www.askmoses.com/en/article/424,1769676/What-are-those-red-strings-I-see-people-wearing-around-their-wrists.html

What are those red strings I see people wearing around their wrists?

The red strings are quite simply superstitions with no basis in Scripture or Jewish Law.

Wait a second. I just read this: "The red strings are quite simply superstitions with no basis in Scripture or Jewish Law. " And yet you are quoting me a passage which contains this statement as somehow defending a basis for red strings. I think you have an issue with reading comprehension here.

I did not defend the act of wearing the string. I have said that those who wear it are idiots... But the issue, which I brought up afterwards, points out that there is an issue with Ayin Hara concerning certain segulas... I think you are jumping to conclusions without paying attention to what I am saying.

I replied when someone said that Kabbalah is just superstition and there is no such thing as 'warding off evil'... I then posted some articles which explains the Ayin Hara...

I do not suggest that red-string can ward off Ayin hara... I am simply stating that there is such a concept.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:09:42 PM: Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:08:38 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:05:33 PM
Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:04:09 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:44:38 PM

PS: I worry about Ayin Hara every day when I drive to work in my 2008 Mustang GT {Bli Ayin Hara}...

LOL, really? If so, then why did you mention it here?

I have mentioned it here before and I needed to mention it in order to explain why I worry about Ayin Hara...

You must not have understood the implications of my question.

If that vehicle makes you worry about ayin hara, then mentioning here that you drive it should only make you worry more. Because now you have to be worried about the whole forum.

If you had said you drove that in the past, I didn't remember because I don't really care about that stuff. Likewise, this time I hope I won't remember nor care about what car muman drives.

Im happy that you will not remember because I certainly don't need an Ayin Hara from KWRBT...
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:11:27 PM: This article from Aish com is very enlightening concerning the topic:

http://www.aish.com/sp/k/48965011.html

Is there any substance behind the latest fad: kabbalistic red strings?

There are times when one is forced to address the deliciously ludicrous. When "kabbalistic" red strings, once wound around Rachel's Tomb and then worn to ward off the evil eye, become the latest Hollywood fad -- selling for a staggering $26 a piece! - and dragging Judaism's ancient and holy mystical works onto New York Post's Page Six column, we have most certainly reached one of those times.

A group of Hollywood glitterati have turned contritely to look for the meaning of life in the great tradition of Kabbalah. An astute salesman turned "kabbalist" has taken note of their needs and filtered out the less marketable demands of Kabbalah, and presented a Kabbalah that demands little more than cash from its adherents. The reams of exhortation found in the Zohar and Arizal -- the two most fundamental Kabbalah texts -- against hedonism and lust have somehow been hidden from sight.

Is there anything of substance to this red thread business? Is there really such a thing as an "evil eye"?

There is absolutely no genuine kabbalistic source for wearing a red thread around one's wrist to ward off the "evil eye."

Firstly, there is absolutely no genuine kabbalistic source for wearing a red thread around one's wrist to ward off the "evil eye." While there exists such a practice amongst some devout Jews, it is not mentioned in any kabbalistic work.

Yes, there is a fleeting mention in the Talmud about the practice of tying a bundle of herbs or gems and wearing them in order to ward off the "evil eye." No special color, nor Rachel, nor even thread are mentioned. Also, the comment is an offhand remark concerning laws of Sabbath observance.

One of the late great scholars, the Debreczyner Rav, mentions it as a practice he saw in his father's home, but his extensive search could not find a written source for the practice.

The good news is that there is a clear and early source that mentions tying a red string to ward off an "evil eye" and that is in the Tosefta, an early Talmudic work (Shabbat, ch. 7-8). The bad news is that it clearly states that tying a red string around oneself is severely prohibited. It is characterized as "Darchei Emori," a worthless, superstitious practice, close to idol-worship.

Although later halachic literature implies that we may possibly not rule in accordance with this Tosefta, this still does not make this a commendable practice, but rather a tolerable one.

THE "EVIL EYE"

Let us try to delve a little into the issue of the "evil eye" and its implication. The "evil eye" is mentioned in the Talmud and has practical ramifications in Jewish law. For instance, one is not permitted to stand and stare at his friend's field that is in full bloom, so as not to plague it with an "evil eye" (Baba Basra 2b). The "evil eye" is best described as a situation where "one conspicuously stands out, and there arouses people's jealousy and discomfort."

How does an "evil eye" wreak damage on someone else's field? The answer is most clearly described by one of the last century's great thinkers, Rabbi Eliyahu E. Dessler: G-d has created the world as an integrated whole of many components. The components are meant to act in harmony with each other. But if one of the elements in the system starts becoming a threat and overstepping its bounds, the system corrects itself and that aggressive unit is checked and contained.

We see examples of this in the ecosystem, where overactive components usually run up against some barriers and/or opponent and are reduced to their natural size. A species that grows beyond a certain point somehow finds a natural enemy that checks its progress. No one species is allowed to dominate and take over.

This is true not only of the purely physical world, but is also true of the human dimension. A person whose fortune stares everyone else in the face is antagonizing the world around him. He is expanding out of his natural boundaries and is, so to speak, infringing on other people's domain. The pain and anguish caused others when they view his success, provokes this "evil eye." It is the term used to describe their anguished look. The jealousy and bitterness that he has engendered will boomerang and take its toll from the one who caused this imbalance and disharmony. The Laws of Metaphysical Nature will right the imbalance, and reduce the person to his proper size and domain. The fall of the provocatively high and mighty is the classical manifestation of this.

A METAPHYSICAL TRUTH

Does this actually happen? This phenomenon belongs to the class of segula-type phenomena. Segula phenomena are a metaphysical effect not easily quantifiable, but present in a general way. To get a sense of this type of reality, let us compare physics to, say, psychology. The laws of physics are applicable to every single event, in precisely quantified parameters. Thus, every mass -- without fail -- attracts every other mass, in exactly the same way.

Psychology, on the other hand, while formulating great truths, cannot define them with the precision and inevitability that physics does. There are exceptions, and every case is slightly different than the others.

The same is true of an "evil eye." It is a metaphysical truth, not a physical one. It works as a general rule, but there are many subtle distinctions and some exceptions. If we look at a lot of examples over an extended period of time, we clearly see a pattern emerging that people who arrogantly flaunt success eventually suffer because of it. We cannot give ironclad rules to govern this phenomenon, and we can give different "natural" explanations for it, but the phenomenon seems to constantly prove itself.

A perfect example of where one can notice the effect of this phenomenon is Hollywood. No society is more oriented at "showing off" -- it is show business after all -- and what society is more dysfunctional? It is a society that has substituted desire for love, wit for wisdom, and appearance for substance, destroying itself in the process. Families, friends and beliefs are ephemeral, begotten in the evening and vaporizing in the morning sun.

REMEDY FOR THE "EVIL EYE"

There is actually a time-tested remedy, and much cheaper than the quick fixes being pushed by dubious institutions: Live modestly.

Is there a remedy for the "evil eye"? There is actually a time-tested remedy, and much cheaper than the quick fixes being pushed by dubious institutions. Devout Jews have always lived as modestly as possible; refraining from boasting and usually understating their accomplishments. Idle boasting and great fanfare are shunned. And it works like a charm.

The Talmud states that "only hidden events generate blessings." For example, the two different presentations of the Ten Commandments are cited as a lesson. The Talmud points out that since the first time Moses brought down the tablets was done with great fanfare, they had to be destroyed when the Jews worshipped the Golden Calf. The second set of tablets was given quietly and modestly, and they lasted eternally.

This modest behavior has as its source -- the Bible, to which presumably all adherents of Kabbalah subscribe to. The prophet Micah says:

"For what does G-d, your Lord, demand of you? Only that you love kindness, perform justice, and walk humbly with G-d."

Even when performing charity, justice and "walking with the Lord," it must be done modestly!

My advice to those people sincerely desiring to ward off the "evil eye" would be to return to a modest, inconspicuous lifestyle, ban the press from your life, and stop focusing on yourselves.

But somehow, I don't think that will happen. Pop fashion is a powerful money-making force, one that Hollywood stars are paid to fuel. And thus, we have the ultimate irony. The red thread has become a status symbol… drawing the "evil eye" to its wearers.

PS: I never said that the red-string had any powers... I simply said that Ayin Hara is real...
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:16:09 PM: Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:08:59 PM
Apparently there is a belief that the red-string does ward off the ayin hara...

Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:08:59 PM

I do not suggest that red-string can ward off Ayin hara... I am simply stating that there is such a concept.

So in other words, you are saying that "idiots" believe it wards of ayin hara, but it doesn't really do so? Your first statement appears to give credence to their "concept," but maybe I misunderstood what you are saying because you phrased it poorly. Please clarify.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:19:19 PM: Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:16:09 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:08:59 PM
Apparently there is a belief that the red-string does ward off the ayin hara...

Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:08:59 PM

I do not suggest that red-string can ward off Ayin hara... I am simply stating that there is such a concept.

So in other words, you are saying that "idiots" believe it wards of ayin hara, but it doesn't really do so? Your first statement appears to give credence to their "concept," but maybe I misunderstood what you are saying because you phrased it poorly. Please clarify.

Yes my first post was not clear if I was saying that it works or it doesn't. What I believe is that the red-string is a product of the phony Kabbalists who sell it to unknowing Am Haaretzim.

But I do believe in Segulahs, such as the Chamsa... And I do carry a Chamsa on my keychain... As I said before I do believe in the power of the Ayin Hara...

Quote
http://www.jewishmag.com/144mag/superstition_magic/superstition_magic.htm
The symbolic hamsa hand (Arabic) or hamesh hand (Hebrew) is an ancient and still popular an amulet for magical protection from the envious or the evil eye and is also known known to draw positive energy, happiness, riches and health.. The hamsa (semitic root meaning five) includes five digits and symbolizes the Creator’s protective hand and refers to the digits on the hand. An alternative Jewish name for it is the Hand of Miriam, in reference to the sister of Moses and Aaron. Some hamsas contain images of fish, "the water covers the fish of the sea so the eye has no power over them (Berakhot 55b)." Some hamsa artifacts have the colors red and blue, both of which are said to thwart the Evil Eye. The symbol of the hand, and often of priestly hands, appears in kabbalistic manuscripts and amulets, doubling as the letter 'SHIN', the first letter of the divine name 'Shaddai' (one of the names referring to G-d). www.myjewishlearning.com
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:21:25 PM: Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:19:19 PM

But I do believe in Segulahs, such as the Chamsa... And I do carry a Chamsa on my keychain... As I said before I do believe in the power of the Ayin Hara...

I do not do such things. And I also don't think that an understanding that ayin hara is a bad thing is the same thing as believing in segulas or that one must believe in segulas in order to acknowledge that ayin hara happens.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:24:04 PM: Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:21:25 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:19:19 PM

But I do believe in Segulahs, such as the Chamsa... And I do carry a Chamsa on my keychain... As I said before I do believe in the power of the Ayin Hara...

I do not do such things.

Of course I do not place any power in the Chamsa...

As an article I posted above says, the best way to avoid the evil eye is to be generous with your time and money.

I try to be as giving as I can... It is good to help everyone around you, including family, neighbors, our congregation, and others in the community.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:27:01 PM: I need to be more generous myself. It's been too long since I donated to JTF. It makes me very happy to contribute to the hilltop youth and JTF. Then again, I'm sure I'll have more opportunity to do so when I actually have an income.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:29:40 PM: Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:19:19 PM

Quote
http://www.jewishmag.com/144mag/superstition_magic/superstition_magic.htm
The symbolic hamsa hand (Arabic) or hamesh hand (Hebrew) is an ancient and still popular an amulet for magical protection from the envious or the evil eye and is also known known to draw positive energy, happiness, riches and health.. The hamsa (semitic root meaning five) includes five digits and symbolizes the Creator’s protective hand and refers to the digits on the hand. An alternative Jewish name for it is the Hand of Miriam, in reference to the sister of Moses and Aaron. Some hamsas contain images of fish, "the water covers the fish of the sea so the eye has no power over them (Berakhot 55b)." Some hamsa artifacts have the colors red and blue, both of which are said to thwart the Evil Eye. The symbol of the hand, and often of priestly hands, appears in kabbalistic manuscripts and amulets, doubling as the letter 'SHIN', the first letter of the divine name 'Shaddai' (one of the names referring to G-d). www.myjewishlearning.com

Isn't "magic" of this nature forbidden by Judaism?
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:30:05 PM: Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:27:01 PM
I need to be more generous myself. It's been too long since I donated to JTF. It makes me very happy to contribute to the hilltop youth and JTF. Then again, I'm sure I'll have more opportunity to do so when I actually have an income.

May Hashem bless you with Parnassah soon...
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:31:52 PM: Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:29:40 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:19:19 PM

Quote
http://www.jewishmag.com/144mag/superstition_magic/superstition_magic.htm
The symbolic hamsa hand (Arabic) or hamesh hand (Hebrew) is an ancient and still popular an amulet for magical protection from the envious or the evil eye and is also known known to draw positive energy, happiness, riches and health.. The hamsa (semitic root meaning five) includes five digits and symbolizes the Creator’s protective hand and refers to the digits on the hand. An alternative Jewish name for it is the Hand of Miriam, in reference to the sister of Moses and Aaron. Some hamsas contain images of fish, "the water covers the fish of the sea so the eye has no power over them (Berakhot 55b)." Some hamsa artifacts have the colors red and blue, both of which are said to thwart the Evil Eye. The symbol of the hand, and often of priestly hands, appears in kabbalistic manuscripts and amulets, doubling as the letter 'SHIN', the first letter of the divine name 'Shaddai' (one of the names referring to G-d). www.myjewishlearning.com

Isn't "magic" of this nature forbidden by Judaism?

Yes, but this article is calling it 'magic'... I have heard it referred to as a segulah to ward off Ayin Hara... I don't consider it magic because it only works because I have absolute faith in HaKodesh Baruch Hu and know that amulets have no power of their own.

Two other protective things in Jewish belief include 1) Mezuzzah, and 2) Tzit-tzits... Both of these are not considered magic yet are believed to have protective powers...

http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/310889/jewish/The-Protective-Power-of-Mezuzah.htm
Quote
In the Kabbalah

The principal book of Kabbalah, the Zohar, states that if a Jew affixes a mezuzah to his or her door, the Almighty denies harmful and destroying agents (mazikin) any access to the home, even at a time when the Destroying Angel is let loose.

Recanati7 writes similarly, “The mezuzah affixed to the doorpost of a home serves as a protection against the messengers of evil. When confronted by the name of G‑d, which is on the exterior of the mezuzah, these messengers of harm realize that G‑d is watching over this domicile and they will refrain from entering. The word mezuzoth is a combination of the words ‘zaz’ and ‘maveth’ which mean literally: Death: Remove thyself.”

Expounding on the verse “G‑d shall guard thy going out and thy coming in from now and forevermore,” (Psalms 121:8) the Zohar explains that the mezuzah protects the inhabitants of the house not only in their home but also from the time they leave the house until they return home: “Not only is a man protected in his house, but G-d protects him both when he goes out and when he comes in, as it is written, ‘G‑d shall guard thy going out and thy coming in, etc.’”

Quote
http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3216/custom-of-wearing-tzitzit/
Custom of Wearing Tzitzit
Listen to this article. Powered by Odiogo.com

Question: Why do Jewish men wear Tzitzit (fringes/strings on 4-cornered garments) if the commandment is based on affixing strings to a 4-cornered garmet? It would seem that not possessing a 4-cornered garment would exempt a Jew from this. Thoughts?

Answer: That is a very keen observation on your part and in fact you are absolutely correct!

However, in recognition of the great value of upholding the commandments (Mitzvos) of the Torah in general, and perhaps in light of the “protective” properties of the “Tzitzit” in particular, the custom has evolved for men to purchase a four-cornered garment in order to fulfill this mitzvah.

Additionally, this mitzvah is one of the few in the Torah where we are actually given a reason for its observance. “L’maan tizkoru es kol Mitzvosay”—that by wearing and seeing the tassles/Tzitzit we are reminded to observe ALL of the mitzvos of the Torah. The Tzitzit themselves are an impetus for further Mitzvah observance!

Sincerely,
R’ Daniel Fleksher
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:oXTuRQoiw6EJ:israel613.com/books/IMPORTANCE_OF_MITZVAH_TZITZIT-E.pdf+protective+properties+tzitzit&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESikvAVYEPr6QuCqpkJ70TVtXT396rqX7Kbmn7R75refQioKaDA20SfmPOIuZaTnzqrRgSB22iu1rgbSEr9FLq29jYCl9AqPpHJEaabdTv8f8om5JdpW82jTQbvhek7oweE_E474&sig=AHIEtbR8nxU-gzqJvFnXIa6XaBbLZajLLQ (http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:oXTuRQoiw6EJ:israel613.com/books/IMPORTANCE_OF_MITZVAH_TZITZIT-E.pdf+protective+properties+tzitzit&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESikvAVYEPr6QuCqpkJ70TVtXT396rqX7Kbmn7R75refQioKaDA20SfmPOIuZaTnzqrRgSB22iu1rgbSEr9FLq29jYCl9AqPpHJEaabdTv8f8om5JdpW82jTQbvhek7oweE_E474&sig=AHIEtbR8nxU-gzqJvFnXIa6XaBbLZajLLQ)
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 09:05:46 PM: Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:30:05 PM
Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 08:27:01 PM
I need to be more generous myself. It's been too long since I donated to JTF. It makes me very happy to contribute to the hilltop youth and JTF. Then again, I'm sure I'll have more opportunity to do so when I actually have an income.

May Hashem bless you with Parnassah soon...

Amen.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: MassuhDGoodName on July 15, 2010, 09:50:05 PM: Hey Ya'll!....

Anybody wanna' buy a real nice "Lucky Rabbit's Foot" keychain?

I've got 'em in blue, red, and white.

Don't blow $26 on a piece of red thread when you can git one of MassuhD's genuine Lucky Rabbit's Foot keychains for only $4.95 + $9.95 shipping and handling!

It'll protect you at all times.

Drive as fast as you want while intoxicated on booze or LSD or Ecstasy and you'll never have a wreck if you hang one of these Lucky Rabbit's Foot keychains from your rear view mirror.

If your house or apt. key is on a Lucky Rabbit's Foot keychain you can walk through the worst schwartze neighborhood in America at 2 am and even yell out n_gg_r as loud as you feel like, and you will be protected by the Power of the Rabbit.

The Rabbit's Foot itself doesn't have any power -- the protective ability comes from the rabbit whose foot got chopped off.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 09:53:42 PM: Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:31:52 PM

Two other protective things in Jewish belief include 1) Mezuzzah, and 2) Tzit-tzits... Both of these are not considered magic yet are believed to have protective powers...

Why are you comparing these things to segulas and amulets? There is no comparison.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 09:56:44 PM: Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:31:52 PM

Yes, but this article is calling it 'magic'... I have heard it referred to as a segulah to ward off Ayin Hara...

But it seems to me they call it "magic" because it functions the same way. The way they describe it also sounds like magic. So how is it any better?

Quote
I don't consider it magic because it only works because I have absolute faith in HaKodesh Baruch Hu and know that amulets have no power of their own.

So then what does it do and how does it work (if it has no power of its own) ?
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: takebackourtemple on July 15, 2010, 10:14:03 PM: Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 07:59:38 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 07:02:45 PM
The red string does absolutely nothing for you unless you are observing the Torah...

If you are observing the Torah, it also does nothing.

Interesting points. The only thing I can see it doing if someone is observing torah is to serve as a message for others to follow. Of course there are far more effective ways to deliver the message, but if someone is practicing torah at high enough of a level, their knowledge far exceeds mine.

How many Rebbe's out there wear the red string? I don't know of any.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 10:20:39 PM: Quote from: Kahane-Was-Right BT on July 15, 2010, 09:56:44 PM
Quote from: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 08:31:52 PM

Yes, but this article is calling it 'magic'... I have heard it referred to as a segulah to ward off Ayin Hara...

But it seems to me they call it "magic" because it functions the same way. The way they describe it also sounds like magic. So how is it any better?

Quote
I don't consider it magic because it only works because I have absolute faith in HaKodesh Baruch Hu and know that amulets have no power of their own.

So then what does it do and how does it work (if it has no power of its own) ?

I am just stating my opinion and my experience, I don't purport to speak about Jewish halacha or 'the' reason for these things.

In the Torah the explanation for the Tzit-Tzits is that we should see them and then remember all the 613 commandments. I believe I heard it said that in this way Tzittzits act as mnemonic devices, reminding us of the commandments, and thereby protecting us from the Yetzer Hara.

So to extend the idea further I believe that man is capable of forgetting the commandments, and forgetting Hashem. As some of the articles I posted previously point out, the eye is one of the most powerful organs of the human being. The other very powerful organ is the mouth... Another point is that in Shema when we discuss the tzit-tzits it says "So that you shall not wander after your eyes, or your heart...". Many of our sages are very clear that we must not look at forbidden things, to avert our gaze, lest the image become fixated in our minds to ultimately lead us astray.

The point I am getting to, my friends, is that by reminding ourselves constantly that we rely on Hashem for everything we provide protection against evil. Of course Hashem decides if we deserve anything, good or bad, and no amount of segulahs will protect a person who places trust in them. Those who have faith in Hashem and keep him in our thoughts constantly will be provided what is called in the Amidah the "Shield of Abraham". Abraham was protected from downfall because of his kindness, and his complete faith in Hashem {except for one minor incident which he was punished for}.

As low a human being as I allowed myself to become when I was off the derech I can easily become distracted and forget about Hashem. In my field {computer software engineering} we have many people who have attitudes, are arrogant, believe in themselves, etc... I had one co-worker who wore a shirt one day which read "I am my own hero" which caused me to rebuke him {he is not Jewish and we are still friends}.

In order to remind myself that I am just a lowly human being, and that my success is not due to my own work, only the Divine Providence that I am bestowed, I find that I must visually see things which are reminders of the Holy mission I am on.

My tzit-tzits, my Peyot, the Mezzuzah on my doors, and the Chamsa on my keychain all remind me of my Jewish identity.

I hope you will not judge me harshly because I have exposed my thoughts on this matter...

http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/111921/jewish/The-Shield-of-Abraham.htm

Quote
It was not long after Abraham had settled in Canaan when four mighty kings got together. Chief of them was Chedarlaomer, the emperor of Elam. They were jealous of Abraham and were thinking how they could get rid of him. One of them had a bright idea. "You know," said he, "that Abraham's nephew Lot dwells in Sodom. Let us attack Sodom and capture him. Abraham is sure to try to free him. He will attack us with his handful of men. Then it will be easy for us to defeat him and kill him."

The plan was agreed upon by all.

Soon Abraham received the tragic news that his nephew was taken prisoner together with the king of Sodom. Although no less than five kings had banded themselves together to fight Chedarlaomer and his allies, they were defeated, for the four kings were mightier than the five.

Losing no time, Abraham gathered the 318 members of his household and pursued the victorious Chedarlaomer and his mighty army.

The four kings were very pleased to hear their plan seemed to work. They were ready for Abraham with confidence. But once again G-d sent wonderful miracles to help Abraham. The four kings fled in terror, leaving behind them Lot and all the other captives, together with all the spoil.

The king of Sodom and the other four kings, together with all their men, now gathered in a big plain to do honor to Abraham. "You have saved our lives and our people and our lands and our wealth," they said to Abraham. "Be our king now. We will serve you and worship you more than we worship our idols!"

Abraham would not hear of it. "I am but a human being, like yourselves," Abraham said to them in reply. "It was G-d who in His mercy helped me to free you. Let Him be your King and G-d, If you really want to show your gratitude to G-d, then be honest and kind to each other. Live in peace, and help the poor and needy. Then G-d will be good to you and protect you."

Abraham refused to take any reward, and returned home. He offered up a prayer to G-d for delivering him from the hands of the mighty enemy. "Almighty G-d," Abraham prayed, "not my might and not my army won the victory, but You in Your kindness and mercy saved me from the hands of my enemies. May I be worthy of Your mercy always."

When Abraham concluded his prayer, the angels in Heaven sang out their praises to G-d: "Blessed art Thou, O Lord our G-d, the Shield of Abraham."

Regarding Speech [Mouth] :

http://www.torah.org/learning/perceptions/5763/matos.html

Quote
Thus, before we allow someone to annul a vow, we have to ascertain that there is sufficient Torah cause to do so. Talk may be cheap to some, but from a Torah point of view, it is man's most creative power, capable of establishing reality. G-d made creation using speech, and man becomes a partner with G-d in bringing creation to fulfillment through his own power of speech.

Thus, in the script used to write a Sefer Torah, the letter Peh, which itself means "mouth," has the letter Bais inside of it (the negative space forms the letter), the first letter of the Torah and the word "Bereishis." It's as if the Bais, which represents creation, is emerging from the Peh, which it did when G-d spoke creation into being.

To sensitize us to our power of speech, the Arizal revealed that every word that leaves a person's mouth creates an angel. Good words, that is, words of which the Torah approves, create good angels, whereas bad words create bad angels, or prosecuting angels, both of which show up on our behalf or against us on Yom HaDin, the day of Final Judgment.

Thus, we have the concept of, "al tiftach peh l'Satan," which translates as, "Do not open you mouth to the Satan" (Kesuvos 8b). It seems that somehow, by bragging about something, we invite disaster, in the form of the Satan, or rather, the Prosecuting Angel (same thing) doing a serious investigation into our right to own such a good thing. Verbally calling attention to something good can create a reality of Divine judgment, as we see from the beginning of the story of Iyov. If only G-d hadn't bragged about Iyov's righteousness . . .

(http://association.tarotstudies.org/images/HebrewLettersA/fe.gif)
Hebrew Peh

(http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/stickyj/HebrewBet.jpg)
Hebrew Bet
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 15, 2010, 10:51:05 PM: From Chabad, Talmud Menachot concerning tzittzits and protection:

http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/530129/jewish/In-the-Words-of-the-Sages.htm

Rabbi Nattan said: there is no "minor" mitzvah in the Torah whose observance isn't rewarded in this world and the next. How much is the reward? Let us use the mitzvah of tzitzit as an example:

There was once a man who was meticulous in the observance of the mitzvah of tzitzit. He heard that there was a harlot in a faraway city who charged four hundred gold talents for her services. He sent her the exorbitant fee and set an appointed time to meet her. When he arrived at the appointed time ... she prepared for him seven beds, one atop the other -- six of silver and the highest one was made of gold. Six silver ladders led to the six silver beds, and a golden ladder led to the uppermost one. The prostitute unclothed herself and sat on the uppermost bed, and he, too, joined her. As he was unclothing himself, the four fringes of his tzitzit slapped him in his face. He immediately slid off the bed on to the floor, where he was quickly joined by the woman.

"I swear by the Roman Caesar," the harlot exclaimed, "I will not leave you until you reveal to me what flaw you have found in me!"

"I swear," the Jew replied, "that I have never seen a woman as beautiful as you. However, there is one mitzvah which we were commanded by our G‑d, and tzitzit is its name. Concerning this mitzvah it is twice stated in the Torah 'I am the L-rd your G‑d' -- 'I am the one who will seek retribution, and I am the one who will reward.' Now the four tzitzit appeared to me as four witnesses, testifying to this truth."

"I still will not leave you," the prostitute said, "until you provide me with your name, the names of your city, rabbi and the school in which you study Torah."

He wrote down all the information and handed it to her.

The woman sold all her possessions. A third of the money she gave to the government (as a payoff so that they would allow her to convert to Judaism), a third she handed out to the poor, and the remaining third she took with her -- along with the silver and gold beds -- and she proceeded to the school which the man had named, the study hall of Rabbi Chiya.

"Rabbi," she said to Rabbi Chiya, "I would like to convert to Judaism."

"Perhaps," Rabbi Chiya responded, "you desire to convert because you have taken a liking to a Jewish man?"

The woman pulled out the piece of paper with the information and related to the rabbi the miracle which transpired with the tzitzit.

"You may go and claim that which is rightfully yours [i.e. the right to convert]," the rabbi proclaimed.

She ended up marrying the man. Those very beds which she originally prepared for him illicitly, she now prepared for him lawfully. Such was his reward for meticulously observing the mitzvah of tzitzit.

And the reward in the World-to-Come? That we cannot even fathom!

-- Talmud Menachot 44a.

The numerical value of the word tzitzit is 600, with eight strings and five knots -- this equals 613, the amount of the commandments of the Torah. -- Pesikta Zutreta Shelach.

PS: I realize I am talking about Tzittzits and not red-string bracelets, but I already addressed that several postings ago... Red-string bracelets are not a recognized segulah for anything, according to the Rabbis.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Ari Ben-Canaan on July 16, 2010, 02:32:08 AM: I was shopping online and saw a Hamsa I wanted to get my Mom for her purse [she collects Hamsas] and it happened to come with a red string. I ordered the Hamsa and when it came I sent the Hamsa itself to my Mom, and kept the red string for myself [the entire package cost $10, Hamsa and string together... I can hardly believe people pay $26 for just a string! I would have been willing to pay $10 for just the Hamsa.]. -- I wore the string for fun. -- I had no belief that a piece of red string will help me in any way on its own. However such an item, to a person with the right mentality, has the power to inspire [sort of like how a Kippah can inspire a good person to remember HaShem is above them at all times, and the need to not act like one is the Master of their own universe, whereas a non-pious Jew would not be inspired by wearing a Kippah at all]. -- The greatest direct benefit I remember resulting from me wearing the string was that a very kind Israeli woman stopped her car in the middle of the road [literally], yelled to me if spoke Hebrew, and when I explained I could not she still offered me a ride ALL the way across the San Fernando Valley from a Wal-mart all the way to my home [at that time I was usually taking the bus], once we were riding along she told me that she had stopped because I had a Kippah, beard, dark clothes, and a red string on my left hand [she even said she thought I might be a Rabbi! What an extremely flattering comment; even if I definitely do not deserve such a compliment it was very touching to receive, and quite memorable.]. I will always remember this day because it was shortly after I began wearing a kippah on a regular basis. It was an EXTREMELY hot day as well, so Baruch HaShem extra extra for working a ride out for me on this day! It was not the only time a kind Jew has stopped their car on the side of the road to offer me a ride home; the other time a kind Jew has stopped their car to give me a ride home I was not wearing a red string, just a kippah and beard [I was running late getting home for Shabbos, and wearing a backpack; the man wanted to make sure I got home before Shabbat before sundown as to not be struggling with items on Shabbos... I was only a few blocks from my home and would have still made it home in time for Shabbat candles etc, but the fact this man cared made my Shabbot FANTASTIC!].

If I remember correctly, the red string is an invention based upon some ideas. I don't remember all of the reasons in it, but some of it was inspiring [at least to me in some ways]. Such as the wool starts out white, and white is the highest visible color in the spectrum and is associated with purity... while red [or brown] is the lowest color in the visible spectrum, or the least pure. While a white string is dyed red; the string is actually still white but only contains dye. I think the idea of putting red into something that is white had something to do with how a medical vaccination contains a small bit of the disease which is being vaccinated against. By wearing a white string [which represents purity] which has red dye in it [representing impurity] one is supposed to be inoculated against evil [or impurity]. I might not remember all there is to what came with my string, but it was interesting enough to me.

I recommend not paying $26 for string. :::D
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: mord on July 16, 2010, 05:30:18 AM: I had one for free when i was visiting kavar Rachel a man there told me to take a string from the cover of her kaver. I thought that was terrible and the thread pulling would damage the cover.He took a thread out and put it around my hand with 7 knots
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Spiraling Leopard on July 16, 2010, 10:13:25 AM: I think people should be more worried about GIVING an 'evil eye', rather than receiving one.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: muman613 on July 16, 2010, 10:20:39 AM: Quote from: Spiraling Leopard on July 16, 2010, 10:13:25 AM
I think people should be more worried about GIVING an 'evil eye', rather than receiving one.

That is part of the equation also. Remember the 10th commandment:

"You shall not covet your friend's house; or his wife, servant, ox, donkey, or anything that belongs to your friend."

http://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/254115/jewish/The-Most-Difficult-Commandment.htm

A somewhat appropos article considering my particular circumstance:

http://www.aish.com/f/mom/48931552.html

My Neighbor's Car
by Emuna Braverman

Someone else always has something we want.

A bigger house, a remodeled kitchen, a newer car, a more exotic vacation, a better job...And it’s not always superficial or material -- a husband, children, grandchildren. Our ability to covet is as infinite as are the possibilities. (Actually it’s probably not coveting since we don’t want their actual possession only something very similar.)

There are two basic attitudes we can adopt in these situations: pleasure and hope or jealousy and despair. Seems like a no-brainer, doesn't it. Yet most of us choose the latter. We see someone’s good and we think, “It’s not fair. Why did they get that and not me?” And possibly even worse thoughts. And we spiral downwards. With this attitude we cause ourselves further pain.

The more positive option has two principles. The first is something I call the "Helena Rosenberg principle." Helena got married in her late 30’s and was very anxious to have children. This didn’t happen easily and she was forced to consult an infertility specialist. Sitting in his office she observed the many expectant women around her. “Didn’t that depress you?” asked her friend. “Seeing all those women who have what you so desperately want?”

"If it could happen to them, it could happen to me as well.”

“Are you kidding?’ responded Helena. “It gave me hope. If it could happen to them, it could happen to me as well.” Thus was born the "Helena Rosenberg principle," founded on hope and optimism and clearly the more positive way to approach life.

Principle Number Two is a fundamental Jewish idea: a good eye, an ayin tov. This is not an optometric evaluation; it is a description of character. A good eye means we want the good of others, we rejoice in their good. Someone else’s pleasures and accomplishments are a joy to us. This takes effort but has tremendous payoff. Instead of a life of depression and disappointment, we can cultivate and experience of almost constant joy.

The real secret to both these attitudes is of course the recognition that everything comes from the Almighty, and that He has given us exactly what we need. He only wants our good and His capacity to give is endless. No one else’s good impinges on or limits the potential of ours.

It’s hard sometimes. There are things we want very badly -- more frequently husbands than yachts, although you never know. But knowing clearly that the Almighty, Who has brought so much joy to our friends’ lives, wants to bring just as much to ours, immediately lifts our spirits.

Our attitude and thoughts deeply affect our emotional state. It’s within our ability to choose a constricted life of jealousy and resentment or an open and joyful one that fully embraces the delights and pleasures of those we love. Put that way, it’s hard to believe we’ve been choosing that negative road for so long.

And that others have put up with it. But it won’t last. Moods are contagious and most people want to “catch” a happy mood, not a depressed one. Most people gravitate towards upbeat and positive people and ignore grumpy, negative ones. I think we all want to attract people, not push them away. Taking real pleasure in their good and walking away with a greater sense of hope and trust from every encounter certainly helps accomplish this goal. And it just makes life a lot more fun.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: MassuhDGoodName on July 16, 2010, 11:56:29 AM: Re: "Remember the 10th commandment: "You shall not covet your friend's house; or his wife, servant, ox, donkey, or anything that belongs to your friend."

Easy one to obey ...

Just don't have any friends!
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Spiraling Leopard on July 16, 2010, 01:18:13 PM: If you are strong and centered, evil will not dare come near you.

You need to keep your awareness in your own body.
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: Abben on July 17, 2010, 08:10:58 PM: I said it since day 1 he doesn't know what he is doing. He doesn't even belong in that office
Title: Re: Gov. Paterson turns to higher power by wearing red string kabbalah bracelet
Post by: cjd on July 18, 2010, 05:07:27 AM: Quote from: Abben on July 17, 2010, 08:10:58 PM
I said it since day 1 he doesn't know what he is doing. He doesn't even belong in that office
I don't care for the man because he holds fast to 75% of the sort of policy that would destroy New York State even more then it already is... He seems like a nice enough guy however and since his own party stabbed him in the back he has decided to speak out.... He comes on one of the local radio stations 710 am on Thursday Mornings and answers some of the most outlandish questions very honestly....He actually has put cards on the table speaking of the state legislature wanting to borrow money to continue the same policies that got us where we are now.... He spelled out how the state has for years worked with surplus money and delayed payments in order to keep things going and how the well is now dry with that system....It's sad to see that politicians need a stab in the back to wake up but if this is what was needed to get a workable budget out of the legislature Patterson was dead meat anyway...One thing he did say that no matter who's in office next time around the money troubles are not leaving anytime soon.... He said the people of New York need to drop party politics and listen to what the candidates are saying and pick the best man for the job.