"Kabalistic" Red Strings

This is not an article in favor of or against the Kabala or the kabalistic system. My philosophy about religion is that it is all about faith if you have faith in your system and it works for you, great. Just don’t push it on me.

But, sometimes one is forced to address the totally ludicrous. When "kabalistic" red strings, become the latest Hollywood fad selling for a staggering $26 a piece! Dragging Judaism's ancient and holy mystical works onto New York Post's Page Six column; we have most certainly reached one of those mutant moments.

A recent modern revival has been initiated by the controversial Kabala Center founded by Philip Berg in Los Angeles in 1984, and run by him and his sons Yehuda and Michael. With a number of branches worldwide, the group has attracted many non-Jews, including entertainment celebrities such as Madonna, Demi Moore, Mick Jagger and Britney Spears. Reactions from organized Jewish groups have been almost uniformly negative.

Is there anything of substance to this red thread business? There is absolutely no genuine kabalistic source for wearing a red thread around one's wrist to ward off the "evil eye." Firstly, there is absolutely no genuine kabalistic source for wearing a red thread around one's wrist to ward off the "evil eye." While there exists such a practice amongst some devout Jews, it is not mentioned in any kabalistic work. Yes, there is a fleeting mention in the Talmud about the practice of tying a bundle of herbs or gems and wearing them in order to ward off the "evil eye." No special color, nor Rachel, nor even threads are mentioned. Also, the comment is an offhand remark concerning laws of Sabbath observance.

The good news is that there is a clear and early source that mentions tying a red string to ward off an "evil eye" and that is in the Tosefta, an early Talmudic work (Shabbat, ch. 7-8). The bad news is that it clearly states that tying a red string around oneself is severely prohibited. It is characterized as "Darchei Emori," a worthless, superstitious practice, close to idol-worship. So if you do buy into the kabbalistic system the last thing you want to do is tie a red ribbon around your wrist, let alone pay $26 for one.