Monday, October 11, 2010

Mitzvah #244 - Soothsayer in a trance

A Kosem is somebody who beats the ground with his staff or belt while chanting gibberish until he goes into a trance; after which he starts to foretell the future.

One who puts himself into a trance to foretell the future - or to make decisions - has transgressed this Mitzva.

By Rabbinic decree one may not inquire about future events from a Kosem.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, always

Verse: "You shall not have any ... thoughtful soothsayers in your midsts" (Devarim 18:10)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 167

- Danny
Monday, 3 Marcheshvan 5771

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