Topics covered:
Cures for fevers that require lots of gathering. Cures that also require reciting Torah verses. If used “magically” this is a forbidden practice, but if the verses may inspire reflection and repentance, it’s good. Words to ward off demons. Scant references to demons in the Jerusalem Talmud (Yerushalmi), innumerable references in the Babylonian Talmud (Bavli). This reflects the understanding of locals that they were surrounded by invisible demons, and isolated individuals were especially vulnerable. Curing a tree that drops fruit prematurely involves both physical and symbolic action. Does the tree understand a symbol? No, but it leads passersby to pray for the tree and its owner. How much more should we pray for the people who are visibly hurting! Avoiding the supersticious practices of the Amorites. A toast to friends is NOT a supersticious practice.