Perfect Trust in Hashem

According to the Rambam, no less than fifty-one out of the 613 Mitzvot are related to עבודה זרה, idol worship. All of these laws are based on verses in the Torah.

Included in these laws, are all forms of witchcraft and sorcery, and contacting the dead. There is a death penalty connected with anyone who is found guilty of practicing idol worship.

The Torah ends one section that describes these types of sorcery, by telling us to be תמים תהיה עם ה׳ אלוקיך, “Have perfect trust in the faith of the Eternal, your Al-mighty.”

These laws have specific relevance today in a world of psychics and faith healers. The role of certain rabbis claiming to have special abilities, also needs to be addressed.

There are those who claim that as we are getting closer to the Messianic era, these spiritual powers are returning. And there definitely are some very holy rabbis that are able to see and feel things that others cannot.

The rule of thumb should be to do a thorough search before getting involved with these “Mekubalim” and spiritual healers. Who are the followers of these people? Where do they claim is the source of their abilities? What is our purpose in going to them?

We are not supposed to go to people who predict the future. And we are not to look to these people as replacements to serving Hashem.

If we see that such relationships do not increase our connection to Hashem, it is a sign that something is wrong. We should also examine the spiritual level of the healer.

I had the privilege of getting close to the great Tzaddik, Rabbi Elazar Abuchatzeira, of blessed memory. People came daily by the hundreds from all over the world, to seek his counsel. While being in his presence, you could feel the saintliness coming from him. He was the real deal and there are documented stories to prove it.

The Torah demands of us to take great care in this area. We must never forget that it is Hashem that we must serve with perfect trust.