Magic

The Torah forbids one to engage in any form of black magic, divination, astrology, or other similar activity.[1] This is true even if one's efforts are for a noble or beneficial cause. The Torah requires us to have faith in God and allow His natural order of events to take its course without intervening in any way.[2] It is interesting to note that those who served as judges on the ancient rabbinical courts were permitted to study black magic in order to know when to legitimately condemn a practitioner.[3]

One is also not permitted to experiment with any form occultist practices.[4] While it is forbidden to consult astrologers for advice[5] or to rely on omens and amulets,[6] one is permitted to make decisions based on one's intuition. There are also a number of Torah based superstitions which one is permitted to practice.[7] It goes without saying that communicating with the dead[8] or with demons[9] is included in the prohibition on magic. Even if astrologers, sorcerers, and other wise men claim to have supernatural powers – don’t believe them. As the Rambam writes: "Anyone who believes in [magic]…is from the fools and of those who lack intelligence…it is pure nonsense."[10] On the other hand, the Vilna Gaon and other Torah authorities, contend that such clairvoyants actually do have supernatural powers, but it is God's will that we keep away from them anyway.[11] 

In Biblical and Talmudic times, a sorcerer or sorceress was put to death.[12] Those who practiced certain forms of magic were punishable with death by stoning,[13] while other forms of magic were punishable with lashes.[14] It seems that historically women have typically been more attracted to magic than men.[15] We are taught that one who abstains from magic is closer to God than the angels.[16]

The permissibility of performing modern day magic and optical illusions is subject to much debate. It seems that optical illusions (i.e. "fooling the eyes") may indeed fall under the Biblical prohibition against magic.[17] As such, some authorities prohibit Jews to work as magicians or to attend a magic show.[18] Some authorities even rule that it is prohibited to perform acts which appear to be magic, even if no actual magic is involved![19] Other authorities permit one to perform optical illusions and hand tricks as long as there is no intention to mislead people into believing that one has supernatural powers.[20] Yet other authorities allow one to attend a magic show if the magician is a non-Jew.[21]

Nevertheless, a number of contemporary halachic authorities approve of modern day magic as a legitimate educational and professional pursuit. As it is known that there is no true magic in our day and age, many authorities dismiss most of the concerns mentioned above and permit one to attend a magic show.[22] Even so, one must distance oneself from a magician or illusionist, whether Jewish or Gentile, who claim to have supernatural powers.[23] Indeed, a magician is encouraged to inform his audience at the start of his presentation that nothing supernatural will be occurring during the show.[24] There are no halachic concerns with hypnotists or hypnotic treatments.[25]

It is interesting to note that the primordial magic words of "abracadabra" are actually of Jewish origin.[26] In fact, it is an Aramaic expression which means: "I will create (abra) as I speak (k'dabra)." Alternatively, it may also be a corruption of the Hebrew words "avar k'davar" which means roughly "it will be according to what is spoken" or the words "abracha adabra" which means "I shall bless, I shall speak." It can also be read to mean "I transgress as I speak", perhaps strengthening the case of those authorities who rule that practicing magic is indeed forbidden.

[1] Vayikra 19:26

[2] Devarim 18:13;Rashi, Y.D. 179:1;Rema

[3] Menachot 65a

[4] See Y.D. 179:5-11 for examples

[5] Rambam Avodat Kochavim 11:8, Y.D. 179:1

[6] Y.D. 179:3

[7] Y.D. 179:2,10,12, Rema Y.D. 179:2

[8] Y.D. 179:13

[9] Y.D. 179:16,19

[10] Rambam Avodat Kochavim 11:16-18

[11] Biur Hagra Y.D. 179:13

[12] Shemot 22:17

[13] Berachot 21b

[14] Eruvin 17b

[15] Eruvin 64b

[16] Nedarim 32a

[17] Sanhedrin 65b, Y.D. 179:3, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 167:3, Betzel Hachachma 4:13

[18] Yabia Omer 5:14

[19] Rambam Avodat Kochavim 11:9, 11:15, Rambam Sefer Hamitzvot no. 32, Chochmat Adam 89:6, Yechave Daat 3:68

[20] Teshuvot Haradvaz 1695, Divrei Yatziv Y.D. 1:57

[21] Darkei Teshuva 179:37

[22] Igrot Moshe Y.D. 4:13, Siach Nachum 53, Aseh Lecha Rav 2:44

[23] Igrot Moshe Y.D. 4:13

[24] See also Yabia Omer Y.D. 5:14

[25] Igrot Moshe 3:44

[26] http://www.scribd.com/doc/18334656/Abracadabra-Translated-to-Englishll