Esser Agaroth's Top Five Segulos

ערב ראש החודש השלישי תשע"ג

This post was inspired by a report, a ways back, about a segulah vending machine. Pick your segulah, deposit your money, and you're good to go.

What will they think up next? I have a friend who had the idea of selling shiraim (leftovers) from the Rebbes' Shabbos Tish through a vending machine during the week, for those who could not make it for that Shabbos. Press 1 for Toldos Aharon, 2 for Toldos Avraham Yitzchak, 3 for Karlin, etc. Then press Alef for chicken, Bet for kugel, Gimmel for soda water, and so on.

Too bad, this friend of mine did not go ahead with the idea. He probably could have made a fortune.

For more on the latest segulos, check in with Rafi at Life In Israel. He keeps track of these things better than I do.

Anyway, here are my Esser Agaroth (2¢) regarding the segulah vending machine idea:

First off, praying is NOT a segulah. It is a misswah., and, in my humble opinion, should not be underestimated. Every time we pray we are also (hopefully) acknowledging that HaShem is in charge, not us.

1. Difficulties with conceiving a child:

Segulah: Visiting a fertility specialist

*This is a very painful situation for couples. not trying to make light, not in the least. Rather, many couples remain in their pain, paralyzed from seeking medical help, embarrassed. Please visit Machon Pu'ah for more information.

2. Difficulties finding a spouse:

Segulah #1: Meet a psychotherapist, a counselor, a shiddukh specialist, and/or a rabbi to receive guidance on what middoth (personality traits) to work on, and how.

Segulah #2: Go on a frickin' date.

3. Parnassah (financial success):

Segulah #1: Get a job.

Segulah #2: Continuing education, vocational training and re-training

*Giving tzedaqah (charity) is not discounted here. But, as the Ramba"m might suggest: be smart about it.

4. Long Life:

Although the Torah explicitly relates the misswoth of honoring ones parents and shilu'ah haqen (sending a bird from its nest, before taking its eggs) "to the lengthening of ones days," a healthy diet and exercise are recommended. 

5. Jews desiring to live in the Holy Land:

Get on the plane! Yep, it's as simple as that.