Spell removal: its background in Jewish tradition

Rabbi Emanuel Shahar Shlita works on the removal and annulment of spells according to the Kabbalistic tradition, within a framework of spiritual support, prayer and personal guidance. The rabbi does not cast spells or perform them on others.

The background to spell removal: perspectives from the Torah and Gemara

Introduction

Sorcery in Judaism is a subject found and described in ancient Jewish sources, including the Torah and Gemara. Research into this subject reveals different understandings and approaches to acts of sorcery, the laws concerning them, and the surrounding halakhic discussions.

Sorcery In the Torah

The Torah addresses sorcery in several verses. The most prominent is Exodus 22:17, which states: ‘You shall not allow a sorceress to live.’ This verse reflects a firm stance against acts of sorcery and is considered a foundation for the prohibition of sorcery in Jewish religious law.

Discussions in the Gemara

The Gemara, in tractate Sanhedrin and other tractates, discusses sorcery in depth. These discussions address its definition, the ways it is practiced, and halakhic questions arising from the Torah’s treatment of it. For example, the Gemara considers the extent to which sorcery actually exists and how it differs from miracles and wonders regarded as legitimate.

Religious laws and rulings

Jewish religious law developed an extensive system of laws and rulings concerning sorcery. Maimonides, for example, details and explains the prohibitions relating to sorcery in his Mishneh Torah, emphasizing the spiritual and social harm associated with it.

Sorcery and the prophetic writings

The prophetic writings include accounts in which sorcery is mentioned, such as the story of King Saul and the medium of Endor. These accounts provide examples of the use of, and responses to, sorcery in biblical times.

Conclusion

Sorcery in Judaism, as presented in the Torah and Gemara, reflects belief in the existence of supernatural powers and a strict stance against such acts. The halakhic and anthropological discussions surrounding the subject attest to the central place of sorcery in Jewish culture and thought throughout the generations.