Q&A: A Stone with Powers
A Stone with Powers
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I received as a gift a small stone that supposedly has “powers” to help a person with their emotions and to love more. I don’t believe in the stone’s powers, but am I allowed to wear it on my neck for decoration, or is there an issue of idol worship in that?
Answer
There is absolutely no problem wearing it as an ornament. So people are mistaken and think it helps with something—so what? Is alternative medicine prohibited? No, it’s just nonsense.
Discussion on Answer
Rabbi,
Doesn’t Maimonides prohibit magic because it’s foolishness?
Yes, but it’s quite clear that he does not claim that every foolish thing is a Torah-level prohibition of idol worship. If a person thinks that such a stone is beneficial in one natural way or another, he is mistaken and perhaps also foolish. It’s unreasonable to view him as a transgressor.
By the way, there is also no problem wearing it for a helpful effect if someone believes in that. He is probably a fool, but there is no prohibition involved.