7

There's a concept in Judaism called Ayin Hara (The Evil Eye) - when others see your accomplishments and speak about them you put yourself in danger of receiving divine punishment or strict judgement.

Can Ayin Hara only be triggered by a Jew or can Gentiles equally cause Ayin Hara.

2
  • According to R Herschel Schachter, ayin hara works as a sort of prayer: do gentiles have the power of prayer?
    – MTL
    Apr 17, 2015 at 15:38
  • Was Sarah imeinu a Jewess according to you?
    – user6591
    Apr 17, 2015 at 16:08

1 Answer 1

3

Yes, a Gentile can give ayin hara, as explained in this article :

The Mishna in Avot[3] spells out the three negative traits that Balaam embodied:

"Whoever possesses the following three traits is of the disciples of our father Abraham; and whoever possesses the opposite three traits is of the disciples of the wicked Balaam... The disciples of the wicked Balaam have an evil eye, a haughty spirit and a greedy soul."

On the third occasion when Balaam tried to curse the Jews, it says, "Balaam raised his eyes and saw Israel dwelling according to its tribes."[10] Rashi explains that he attempted to cast an evil eye on them. Thus we learn that Balaam had an evil eye.

2
  • 1
    I'm not convinced; in the context of that mishna, I think that ayin hara may mean something else.
    – MTL
    Apr 17, 2015 at 20:37
  • @Shokhet - I'm game. Please elaborate on what other explanation may work, here.
    – DanF
    Apr 20, 2015 at 2:52

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .