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From
<a href="http://mesora.org/segulas.htm" eudora="autourl">
http://mesora.org/segulas.htm</a><br><br>
<font size=3>Recently a Jewish newspaper ran an ad selling the promise of
Divine intervention, commonly called “segulas”. For $40 an organization
called Chasidei Yerushalayim advertised it would read Tehillim and Shir
HaShirim, promising these recitations to afford a “proven segula” or
“guaranteed positive change” in one’s life. Although I know that a wise
person well versed in Torah texts will immediately dismiss such absurd
claims, I was bothered by the ad’s gross misrepresentation of Torah
truths, and false hopes sold to ignorant Jews. <br><br>
This concept of a “segula” – that some action will cause an unrelated
result – is alien to Torah Judaism, regardless of the masses of frum Jews
who espouse such beliefs, and regardless of the segulas’ inclusion of
Torah verses. I’ve heard of people baking challas with keys inside, or
praying for 40 days at a precise location, believing this will somehow
locate their mate, or make them fertile. But I also know God’s words, “In
every place you mention My name, I will come to you and bless you.”
(Exod. 20:21) Thus, God states that location is inconsequential. A close
friend “AS” met with a Mekubbal and did as instructed. He was guaranteed
to marry within the year. Ten years later, he is still single, while the
Mekubbal profited. Another close friend “MK” inquired of a great Rebbe
about a sick relative, and was told she would recover. But she
died.<br><br>
Although inexplicable according to the precise, natural laws that God
created, people believe in segulas, for they emanate from Jewish
communities, and many people are desperate.<br><br>
</font>From
<a href="http://www.mesora.org/segulasII.htm" eudora="autourl">
http://www.mesora.org/segulasII.htm</a> <br><br>
<font size=3>The following belief has been circulating, with no rejection
from Torah leaders, and unfortunately, endorsement: <br><br>
“Going into the mikvah following a pregnant woman who is in her ninth
month is a segula for becoming pregnant.”<br><br>
<Snip><br><br>
</font><h3><b>Segulas II: Be-emunah Shlaimah: With Perfect
Faith</b></h3><font size=3><i>Rabbi Reuven Mann<br><br>
</i>With regard to a segula ritual prescribed for pregnant women, a
defender of the practice asks: “If this segula were not acceptable
do you think the Rabbanim who told the women to do it would have
suggested it?” This is a powerful and challenging question.
The answer is that, unfortunately, I do believe Rabbanim suggested
it. One must question the behavior of these rabbis. It is
irresponsible to mislead innocent people along a false path – which takes
the away from Torah and from a true relationship with God.<br>
<x-sigsep><p></x-sigsep>
Yitzchok Levine</font></body>
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