The Truth About the Evil Eye in Judaism: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Protect Yourself

If you’ve ever wondered whether the ayin hara (evil eye) is real, or what to do if you feel affected by it, you’re not alone. Jewish tradition teaches that ayin hara has spiritual consequences, deeply rooted in Talmudic and Midrashic sources.

The Talmud (Bava Batra) warns that one should not gaze upon another’s flourishing field when the crops are at their peak, lest one harm them through the evil eye. What does that really mean?

The Rebbe of Ropshitz, in his book Zera Kodesh (Parshat Vayetze), explains it this way: “The evil eye occurs when a person sees beauty, success, wealth, or talent in another and becomes emotionally stirred by it — even if it’s from love or admiration. When that happens, he unintentionally causes harm to the one he admires. Because when we marvel at another person’s blessings without recognizing that they come from God, we separate that success from its divine source. The moment we forget that all talents and achievements flow from the Creator, we disconnect the blessing from its root, and that separation causes damage. That is the essence of the evil eye.”

The proper way to look at another’s success, he continues, is through the ayin tova — the “good eye.” When you remember that every success originates from God, your gaze only strengthens and increases that blessing rather than harming it.

He also quotes an ancient righteous sage who provided a simple remedy: when one feels jealousy or fear of the evil eye, look upward — literally and spiritually — to remember the One who grants all fortune. In that moment, you reconnect the blessing to its divine source.

Some truly righteous people, who are completely humble and attached to God, are immune to the evil eye altogether, because they have no sense of self or ownership of their virtues.

“I Saw Shadows and Heard Voices — Is It a Curse?”

A question often arises from fear: What if strange things happen at home — voices, shadows, nightmares — is it witchcraft or the evil eye?

The answer from rabbinic tradition is clear: consulting mystics or fortune tellers only feeds fear and illusion. These so-called “spiritual advisors” often profit by inventing curses or charms that don’t exist.

The true Jewish path is simple and grounded:

• Affix kosher mezuzot on every doorway.

• Wash your hands properly upon waking and after using the bathroom.

• Observe Shabbat and family purity (taharat hamishpacha).

These mitzvot form a genuine spiritual shield around a person and their home — ensuring that no harmful force can disturb, frighten, or influence them.

In essence, the most powerful protection against the evil eye or spiritual negativity isn’t superstition — it’s emunah, faith in the One who watches over us at every moment.