Mitzvahs & Traditions
Is Palmistry Witchcraft?
Dear Rabbi,
I recently read of someone who does palm reading to figure out people’s character traits, as well as to see hints about their future. Am I permitted to consult with him and get my palm read?
Answer:
The art of being able to see someone’s character, or something about their future, through reading the wrinkles on their palm is not considered magic. It is considered an art and science, which at times can be beneficial. It is for this reason that palmistry is mentioned a number of times in the Zohar and in other Kabbalistic works.1
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, writes that in order for palmistry (or chiromancy) to be accurate and authentic, one needs to have knowledge of the mystical origins of people’s souls, as well as to be proficient in the art of palmistry.
However, nowadays, one can learn this craft only from a true master of the Kabbalah, and not on one’s own (by reading books, etc.). About those who attempt to learn this craft without an authentic tradition, the verse in Proverbs can be applied to them: “For many are the dead that she has felled, and numerous are all her victims.”2
The Rebbe adds that he would be “very surprised” if there is anyone alive who could claim to be an expert in these matters (especially since someone who is truly proficient would reveal these secrets only to a student who is worthy and G‑d-fearing).3 Therefore, a person should stay away from palmistry and similar things.4
The Rebbe would often write that instead of seeking remedies in hand-readers or the like, one should strengthen one’s faith in G‑d, who “heals all flesh and performs wonders.”5
Please see What’s So Important About Belief in G‑d? from our selection of Faith in G‑d.
Rabbi Yehudah Shurpin
Ask the Rabbi @ The Judaism Website—Chabad.org
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. |
See, for example, Zohar 2:76a and 3:43b. |
| 2. | |
| 3. |
See, for example, the commentary of Nachmanides to Genesis 5:2. |
| 4. |
Igrot Kodesh, vol. 15, p. 64, quoted in Shaarei Halacha U-Minhag, vol. 3, p. 78, in response to a letter asking if before marrying someone they should turn to a palm reader to see if it is suitable. |
| 5. |
The Rebbe quoting from the daily morning blessings. See for example Igrot Kodesh, vol. 25, letter 9397. |
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- Witchcraft (10)
It's wrong to tell anyone what "will" happen, because hearing it makes them expect it & gravitate towards it. I NEVER tell anyone what I "see" will happen, for fear it might become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
I tell them their talents and abilities. They enjoy that. It's harmless.
Never tell the future. Only Gd knows the future. A doctor can't know if you will survive the disease. It's a sin for a doctor to tell a sick person that he has six months to live. Often he lives six YEARS or sixty years. But if the dr. says "six months" that, too, can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The person feels hopeless and the immune system shuts down.
When our rabbi's son was shot in the head, folks said he'd die or be a vegetable. I sent him "I know you'll get well" cards every day for a year. His family took sat by his bed until he woke months later. He limps a bit but he's a husband & father now. Never give up!
Texas
india
When you suggest that I should "listen without judgment to the Jewish view of Torah", which view do you mean, since on this post alone, there are already a variety of "Jewish view"[s]?
Personally I would go with [in the case] the very clear prescriptions of Hashem given in Deut 18:10-14 over the interpretation of this Rebbe.
In my personal experience, palm reading has done a lot of damage in my family. Palm Reading may not be deep witchcraft, but it is at the very least getting ankle deep into the sea of occult phenomenon.
Brakpan, South Africa
Boca Raton, Florida
In general, there is a thin line between what is prohibited and what is permitted. Rabbi Yehuda Lowe (aka the Maharal of Prague 1520-1609) explains in his work Be'er Hagolah 2 that one of the key differences between prohibited action and permitted action is whether there is an action done by the practitioner.
Immerse yourself in Torah study, surround yourself with Jewish people, study Hebrew, attend Jewish services and listen without judgement to the Jewish view of Torah. After a year of this, see if you can still call yourself "A Christian following the Torah" and see then if you understand the Rebbe's answer.
SA, TX
However be very careful whom you consult. An honorable palm reader will not announce that anything bad is going to happen. Nothing is written in stone, but if a bad future is announced to you, the expectation draws you towards it.
Instead, the practitioner should advise you to see a physician or other professional who can help with the situation so that the negative prediction can be averted.
Detroit
fort Lee, nj
chabadfortlee.com