tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141014.post7573419254656756287..comments2023-06-21T10:52:34.013-04:00Comments on Jeremy Rosen's Blog: SuperstitionAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043970242427877089noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141014.post-72504272289196991372008-08-06T08:04:00.000-04:002008-08-06T08:04:00.000-04:00Most we feel was probably adopted by us in the age...Most we feel was probably adopted by us in the age of kindergarten.<BR/><BR/>It is good the Jeremy is displaying empathy and sympathetic understanding to all men.<BR/><BR/>Commendable that he invites us to a spellfree world.conefor4200https://www.blogger.com/profile/10674789089389190302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141014.post-86550787336398382882008-07-24T10:40:00.000-04:002008-07-24T10:40:00.000-04:00Good to hear from after so long!Interesting point ...Good to hear from after so long!<BR/><BR/>Interesting point about forgiveness. I do not necessarily think human frailty always requires forgiveness, perhaps understanding.<BR/><BR/>And yes, of course, superstition derives from the way people interact with the universe, creation, etc., which is why the Hindus have gods for everything, and likewise pagan Europe.<BR/><BR/>I guess I have greater sympathy for the intelligent Romans who merely regarded their household gods as family heirlooms. Nice harmless customs is one thing, actuallly believing they work is another!Rabbi Jeremy Rosenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05079707877048417533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141014.post-82844742232786299202008-07-22T18:42:00.000-04:002008-07-22T18:42:00.000-04:00Living as I do in a RC enclave of Europe presents ...Living as I do in a RC enclave of Europe presents much in the way of superstitious 'events'<BR/><BR/>Earlier in the Gregorian year - horses & riders are blessed - then come cars & drivers - last weekend motorcycle riders got sploshed and soon the owners of mobile homes get done. They haven't got round to cellphones or computers yet....<BR/><BR/>OK thats fun to watch and it's nothing to do with Judaism - nonetheless way back in the Pale - they expected the Rabbi to do 'stuff' too - and he obliged....apparently even the Besht wrote 'protective' amulets, though payment (all cards accepted) was not involved...<BR/><BR/>I'm ambivalent - if a bit of red string on the wrist makes one think of G-d, whereas another does so without the string...<BR/><BR/>Thanks to the clarity with which the divine purpose is presented in Judaism - I have no need of a talisman - but does it not all fall under "willful error" for which forgiveness can/should be requested?<BR/><BR/>GrahamAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141014.post-67166295219389276762008-07-22T13:57:00.000-04:002008-07-22T13:57:00.000-04:00Yes, I do believe that visiting rosh yeshivas/rebb...Yes, I do believe that visiting rosh yeshivas/rebbes, etc., giving brachot in general without knowing the person is dishonest and a fundraising scam. At best it is a placebo, though I dont dispute that placebos can work.<BR/><BR/>If the person really knows you and therefore is investing some of his spirituality to elevate you, that would be a different matter. A bracha is an expression of a person's desire to benefit you spiritually. It can also be a simple hope that you do well. But a meaningful bracha should involve a relationship of care, knowledge, and love. Think of the brachot Yitzchak gave his sons (and different than Yaakov's more predictive ones).<BR/><BR/>The donor might want to justify himself by saying he is simply calling on God to bestow His blessings on you. This is behind the idea of the rebbe who is regarded as having a closer connection to the Almighty. I would be more inclined to accept it if the rebbe were someone who had achieved his position through his own merits, as opposed to birth, though I can think of examples where a relative emerged as a great leader.<BR/><BR/>But where the person simply does not know you and his concern extends simply to the size of your donation, I am afraid I think if it is not superstition it is dishonest quackery!<BR/><BR/>I may not know you, but I feel strongly enough to pray for your son's recovery because I really do care; but if you asked me for a bracha, I'd say, rather ask your wife!Rabbi Jeremy Rosenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05079707877048417533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141014.post-87422861134230779932008-07-22T11:33:00.000-04:002008-07-22T11:33:00.000-04:00Thanks for clarifying this. To be fair the Rov in ...Thanks for clarifying this. To be fair the Rov in question did say we should avoid the 9 days. Fortunately my son's appointment is before then. I agree that asking for money for a brocha is a scandal. But I have received brochas from visiting Rosh Yishivas and Rebbe who principle purpose for a visit was to raise funds for their causes. No one has asked me or others for donations but the underlying assumption is that you do this. What do you think of this specifically? And is asking for a brocha a form of superstition?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141014.post-31708944426766913322008-07-21T17:14:00.000-04:002008-07-21T17:14:00.000-04:00Yes, you are correct that in the Gemara (Taanit) a...Yes, you are correct that in the Gemara (Taanit) and in medieval sources there is a lot about how bad it is to get involved in conflicts with non-Jews, etc., during Av, over and above laws of mourning. There is a body of opinion, both about the good times of Adar and the bad of Av, that seems to contradfict what I say. However, remember I did admit there were contrary voices in the Talmud.<BR/><BR/>It is partly to do with the mystical concept of Hester Panim, that God hides, at certain times more than others.<BR/><BR/>But I do believe that, however embedded superstition may be, at some times more than others, it does conflict with purist and rational Torah and, as Rambam says, merely attests to popular superstious beliefs.<BR/><BR/>I have to say I, personally, would never give advice to defer medical intervention or a business deal because of the three weeks (the Gemara and Karo only speak of the nine days ).<BR/><BR/>I think a rabbi who gives brachot for money is a scandal and a Chilluil HaShem. Have you ever heard of a cohen asking for money for a bracha? And with Pidyon Haben the money is not for the bracha. The cohen does not, anyway, give the bracha. He is simply the vehicle for the Divine blessing, which is why a cohen who is a sinner, though not a murderer, can still duchan.Rabbi Jeremy Rosenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05079707877048417533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141014.post-18721138524941844132008-07-21T06:51:00.000-04:002008-07-21T06:51:00.000-04:00I have a question or questions rather than comment...I have a question or questions rather than comments. Firstly a lot of " superstition" exists around the current period of The Three Weeks, especially the 9 days, where we are advised to be careful over taking serious decisons that will affect our future, such as contracts buying a house, an operation etc. My son for example has to have a straight forward medical procedure soon, and I was advised by a Rov, who I would not classify as superstitious to avoid the 9 days if I can. You can also refer to Rabbis who give brochos, for pay or otherwise, or even Cohenim, like myself who apparently have the power to bless ( as every person has..). Where does superstition end and the possibility of the unexplained begin?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com