Understanding the Evil Eye (Ayin Hara) in Judaism: Can People Really Harm You?

I watched a lecture about the Evil Eye and learned that anyone can both cause and be harmed by it. On the other hand, I also believe that everything that happens to us is directed by Heaven — that nothing is random. So, can someone suffer from the Evil Eye even if they don’t deserve to suffer? Does that mean people can harm others without it being decreed from above? Or is the Evil Eye merely one of the tools through which God brings about the suffering that was already meant to happen?

The Chazon Ish writes that no one can be harmed by the Evil Eye unless it has been decreed in Heaven.

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I read a segulah (spiritual formula) from the Chida for nullifying the Evil Eye, and I recite it because I feel many people envy me. If I say it once, am I protected forever, or does it only cancel what already exists?

It should be recited from time to time when you feel the need, but not excessively. About once every thirty days is sufficient.

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If everything is in God’s hands except fear of Heaven (yirat shamayim), then if someone casts an Evil Eye on another person — is that also decreed from Heaven?

Since one can protect oneself from the Evil Eye through strong faith, if a person is harmed because they did not guard themselves using the spiritual tools the Torah provides, that harm stems from human choice, which falls under “fear of Heaven.”

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I’m 29 and at the beginning of my pregnancy. I told many people before the third month, which I usually wouldn’t do. My grandmother was very upset and said it’s forbidden. Now I regret it and am afraid I brought bad luck. What should I do?

There’s no prohibition against telling others, so you did nothing wrong. Still, it is a good custom not to share the news before the third month — some even wait until the fifth. This means not to announce it voluntarily, except for support. After that time, it’s fine to speak about it, though it’s best not to over-discuss it. There are three reasons for this:

1. The Evil Eye: pregnancy may arouse envy or negative thoughts in others.

2. Blessing rests on what is hidden: as the Talmud teaches, “Blessing dwells only upon what is concealed from the eye.” Since pregnancy is a process of hidden development, concealment invites blessing.

3. Kabbalistic reasons: speech draws heavenly attention to the matter — better to let it unfold quietly.
   In any case, there’s no need to worry. With God’s help, you will give birth safely and easily.

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Is there any benefit to keeping fish at home as a good sign or protection against the Evil Eye?

No — there is no particular significance to this custom.

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During Sukkot, my husband and I went to Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes’ tomb in the north. At the entrance, a religious man — an acquaintance of my father — performed a ritual to remove the Evil Eye using lead. He burned materials on a plate, poured water on the floor that we had to walk around, then melted lead over our heads under a sheet. It felt very intense. I wanted to know if there’s any truth to this ritual, especially since we’ve been struggling with fertility.

Lead may indeed be used in authentic segulot for removing the Evil Eye, but only by someone who truly knows the correct method. The extra theatrics — the sheet, burning, and noise — add nothing of spiritual value.

Answers compiled from the Q&A section of the Hidabroot website, by Rabbis Menashe Israel and Binyamin Shmueli.