עברית
Faith
Superstitions
Question
We have the custom of placing salt under the pillow. Does this constitute a superstition?
2) Is it permitted to place the Raziel HaMalach book under the pillow or in a wallet?
3) Is it permitted to engage in superstition? For example, if a shoe is on the wrong foot, is it allowed to turn it around?
Answer
To the honorable questioner,
1. According to the poskim, the Torah prohibition of "and you shall not follow their statutes" includes any customs of the nations that are practiced without any reason.
Therefore, it is forbidden.
2. The book Raziel HaMalach is accepted among us as having protection, and therefore there is reason to keep it close to a person, and it is not forbidden. One must only be careful not to place it under the pillow in a manner that may cause disrespect to the holy pages.
3. It is forbidden, as mentioned in number 1 above.
With blessings,
Rabbi Nachum
