Plants and Good Luck/Ayin Harah
Question
Hi Rabbi, In Jewish culture, are there plants plants that ward of Ayen Harah or take bad energies out of homes. My wife always talks about her plant that protects our home. Sometimes when we host visitors that might have not the best energies or show jealousy or not good vibes the vibrant plant starts to wilt. I am skeptical, but there seems to be something to it...
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
Some of the more mystical and Kabbalistic texts do make mention of a connection between plant life and "energies"/ayin hara, especially with regard to the rue plant.
For example, I saw the work of a scholar who noted that the Sephardic (originally Yemenite) practice of painting Henna on the body focuses on the rue plant for protection against Ayin Hara – the Evil Eye. As the Chida writes, “I would like to entrust to generations to come that the rue plant is effective against Ayin Hara and against any kind of spell. I have even heard this from Rabbis of the holy city of Jerusalem. When a person who carries this herb thinks about the sacred name, ‘Rota’ only good things will happen to him” (Kikar La’eden p. 285a). And the Pele Yoetz writes, “In the holy books, there are several esoteric devices for protection from Ayin Hara, I especially recommend to carry the rue herb which is very potent. It…protects oneself from Ayin Hara.” (Pele Yoetz, Teviot, Ayin).
Nevertheless, such beliefs and practices are not normative and are not found in mainstream halachic literature. The Torah (Devarim 18:13) tells us “Tamim Tihiyeh Im Hashem Elokecha” – You shall be pure with God. Commenting on this verse, Rashi the famous commentstor says, “…walk with G-d and rely on Him instead of searching for the future.” In other words, we are to keep away types of practices which are said to ward off bad luck and bring good. A Jew needs nothing more than to perform Torah and mitzvot to ensure the best possible lot in life. One may not put one’s faith in plants and herbs.
May you be blessed with everything good!