This year for the Tikkun Layl Shavuot, we will give people a chance to do some research on one superstition they have always wondered about.  It is a little light but I think we can all use a little whimsy.  

Here is a list to get us started and discussion starters: Which of these have you heard of or seen in your family? Are there any you follow even if you're not sure you believe in them? How do these customs reflect deeper Jewish values?

Superstitions Around Pregnancy and Birth

1. Don't buy baby items before the baby is born-It's believed to invite the "evil eye" or bad luck.

2. Keep the pregnancy a secret as long as possible-To protect mother and child from harm.

3. Kapotah or red string under the crib or stroller-Though to ward off evil spirits.

4. Naming a baby after a living relative (Ashkenazim)-Avoided due to fear of tempting fate (Sephardim often do name after living relatives).

Evil Eye and Protection

5. Red String (often from Kever Rachel)-Worn on the wrist to protect against the ayin hara (evil eye). 

6. Spitting (or saying "ptoo, ptoo")-Symbolically done to ward off bad luck or when complimenting someone, e.g., a cute baby.

7. Hamsa (Hand of Miriam)-A five-fingered amulet used to protect against the evil eye.

8. Avoiding praise without a blessing-Saying "kein ayin hara" or "bli ayin hara" to avoid invoking jealousy or evil forces.

Death and the Afterlife

9. Covering mirrors in a house of mourning-To avoid vanity and to discourage spirits.

10. Don't walk over graves or step on them-Seen as disrespectful or spiritually dangerous.

11. Placing stones on graves-A sign of respect and possibly to keep the soul at rest.

12. Leave a cup of water outside after a funeral-A sephardic custom of purification.

Household and Daily LIfe

13. Don't whistle at night-Said to invite demons.

14. Don't sweep over someone's feet-Said to prevent marriage (Eastern European origin). 

15. Avoid passing knives directly hand-to-hand - Said to lead to conflict or bad blood.

16. Putting bread upside down-Considered bad luck or disrespectful to sustenance. 

Religious Life

17. Use of "shpitzel" or a symbolic item for modesty or spiritual protection-In some Hasidic circles. 

18. Knocking on wood or saying "kein ayin hara" after good news-To avoid jinxing.

19. Don't count people directly-Based on a biblical prohibition (use objects or blessings instead).

20. Throwing crumbs from tashlich into the water-While symbolic, some believe it helps cast away sin or misfortune. 

If you have any questions, please contact Rabbi Stein at RabbiStein@ghcny.org.