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Conservative Judaism/Evil eye
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Question
Do the jewish people,as a whole believe in the "evil eye?" And if so what is the Evil Eye??
Dear Cedric,
Thanks for writing.
I wish I knew the answer. No educated Jew believes in magic, in superstition, etc.
The "evil eye" is an example of superstition - the notion that if we are happy, then the evil eye will punish us and deny us our joy.
Obviously, some might believe in such a notion - and they blame the fates when they should re-examine their own decisions. We are responsible for ourselves.
Occasionally does bad happen to good people or vice versa, without explanation? Yes, but that is not because of the evil eye.
Best wishes
Rabbi Dov
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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Expertise
Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience
I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
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