Real Segulot

Rabbi Steven Pruzansky 

The most important contribution that Jewish mysticism has made, especially in recent times, has been the proliferation of segulot — magical amulets, incantations, entities, tchotchkes, vials of water, red strings, etc. — among the people of Israel. We have thus been able to ascertain with great clarity the varying levels of reverence for G-d, knowledge of Torah, commitment to Mitzvot, and common sense that exist among our people. We have seen how, at one end of the spectrum, Judaism has become almost unrecognizable in its metamorphosis from a religion of reason and rationality, into a series of scams and gimmicks that rob people of a true connection to Hashem.

Almost as importantly, it has sparked a real interest in the genuine segulot — those tried and tested remedies that have come to us through the Torah and the words of Chazal — all of which are guaranteed to connect us to the Creator and bring us closer to His service. I was recently given this list below of segulot by one of my congregants, found in its original form at www.cross-currents.com, and offered here with some of my amendments and additions, which I urge all Jews who yearn for authentic spiritual growth, and a need to ameliorate pressing issues in their lives, to immediately implement. 

How fortunate are we that the Creator of the Universe has granted us the secrets to a happy, fulfilling, meaningful and productive life. 

Segulah for longevity (I) — lead a healthy lifestyle (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 4:20)

Segulah for longevity (II) — charity and kindness (Mishlei 21:21)

Segulah for longevity (III) — do not speak lashon hara (Tehillim 34:13; Avoda Zara 19b)

Segulah for recovery from illness — go to a doctor (Berachot 60a, Bava Kamma 46b)

Segulah for marriage — go out and find a suitable wife (Kiddushin 2b)

Segulah for shalom bayit — love and patience (Sanhedrin 7a, Bava Metzia 59a)

Segulah for a happy wife — be a good husband (Rosh Hashana 6b)

Segulah for a happy husband — be a good wife (Shabbat 152a)

Segulah for children — prayer to Hashem (Breisheet 25:21; I Shmuel, Chapter I)

Segulah for Yir'at Shamayim — learning Torah (Avot 2:5)

Segulah for spirituality — learning Torah and observing mitzvot (Megila 6b)

Segulah for answered prayers — pray for someone else who has that same request (Bava Kamma 92a)

Segulah for kavanah in prayer — take it seriously (Berachot 5:1)

Segulah for averting evil decrees — repentance, prayer and charity (Musaf, Yamim Nora'im)

Segulah for avoiding sin — avoid temptation (Sanhedrin 107a)

Segulah for pure faith — don't believe in segulot (Devarim 18:13)

Segulah for honest parnassah — learn a profession (Kiddushin 30a)

Segulah to prevent drowning — learn how to swim (ibid)

Segulah for happiness — seek out Hashem (Tehillim 105:3)

Segulah for children who will love to learn Torah — be a parent who loves to learn Torah (common sense)

Segulah for the coming of Moshiach today — listen to Hashem?s voice (Sanhedrin 98a)

Segulah for anything and everything — daven directly to Hashem! (Source: G-d; I Melachim 8:28; Yeshayahu 65:24)