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MIRACULOUS HEALING IN JUDAISM

This paper explores and discusses the miraculous powers attributed to certain figures in Judaism, a power to revive or kill, heal, or harm. This idea already appears in the Bible, but also in many places all over the Talmud and rabbinic literature. Sometimes, the action performed is passive, the sages do not ask for it directly, while sometimes it is active and deliberate. Since Judaism is known for its attitude to witchcraft, which is explicitly prohibited in the Torah, it is clear that such powers are not based on magic. If so, what forces are involved and what is their origin? In this paper, we attempt to answer these questions and discuss other issues, such as the relationship between medicine and Jewish law, the attitude of Judaism toward medical healing and intervention in God’s affairs, healing and the power of prayer and healing as a fulfillment of the obligation to save lives. The main part of this paper examines miraculous healings in the Bible, in the Talmud and during the rabbinic period. The last part investigates the source of the righteous metaphysical power and the attitude of Judaism regarding sorcery. Finally, in the end of this paper we attempt to define the appropriate attitude toward those who seek blessings for medical healing from rabbis.

magic, sorcery, miraculous healing, medicine, Torah, Talmud, rabbis

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