The Psalmist teaches, "Sun and shield is Hashem; favor and glory does Hashem bestow. He will not withhold good from those who walk in perfect faith." But where does "perfect faith" end and "folly", belief in the power of the so-called supernatural phenomena to influence the course of events, begin? Although amulets, astrology, palmistry, sorcery and other esoteric practices undoubtedly have the power to fascinate, which, if any have the power to alter or predict destiny? The question has occupied the minds of scholar and layman alike from time immemorial, but far more pressing is the question of halachic permissibility of delving into mysticism and the world of the occult. Rabbi Yaakov Hillel, author of the highly acclaimed Tamim Tiheyeh and the foremost authority on the subject, explores every facet of this timely issue and indicates clearly and concisely which of these practices are halachically sanctioned and which are strictly forbidden. In this revised and expanded English translation of his vital work, Rabbi Hillel also presents viable, permissible alternatives for those who seek to improve their lot.
by Rabbi Yaakov Hillel