Halachot and Customs
Is it permitted to go to a palm reader?
Question
Hello, honored rabbi,
Is it permitted to go to a palm reader and to lead? This is being done by a religious girl who claims that it is done according to Judaism.
Answer
Hello,
1. If she has recommendations from rabbis that she is indeed knowledgeable in the art of palm reading, then as a matter of strict law there is no prohibition against going to her. In any case, even in such a situation, it is proper not to ask her, but only to rely on Hashem regarding the future, and repentance, prayer, and charity avert the severity of the decree, and fortune can turn for good and for blessing.
Sources: See what is written on this in Teshuvot VeHanhagot, part 1 (siman 554), in Teshuvat Even Pina, part 1 (siman 113), and in Mayim HaHalacha, part 4 (siman 81).
2. Regarding removing the evil eye with lead - it is not known whether this method has a source in Judaism, and in any case there is no prohibition in using this method (so ruled Rabbi Eliyahu Bar Shalom shlita in Beit Hillel, issue 57, page 102).
Good news,
Hillel Meirs
