Segula for Protection from the Evil Eye—Linen Garments

Segula for Protection from the Evil Eye—Linen Garments

It is stated in Parashat Miketz (41:42): “Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and placed it on Joseph’s hand; he dressed him in fine linen garments and placed the golden chain around his neck.” The renowned Kabbalist Rabbi Avraham Azulai (may his merit protect us) writes in his book “Hesed Le-Avraham” (4:52) that he found in ancient manuscripts that linen garments possess unique properties. They protect anyone clothed exclusively in them from the evil eye, impure forces, and witchcraft; they protect adults and infants, the living and those who have departed this world. This is the secret behind the practice of burying the dead in linen garments. However, these properties are effective only if the garment contains no thread other than linen and has no adornments over it. This is connected to the secret of why the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies of the Temple only wearing white linen garments. Of course, the effect of linen garments ceases when the Almighty wills it, for who can stand against the will of the Creator? Rabbi Azulai reveals that the Egyptian Pharaoh knew this wisdom, and therefore wore only white linen garments. He boasted before his priests, calling himself a god, and offered as proof that their witchcraft had no effect on him (the priests did not know that this was a property of linen garments). Since adornments nullify the properties of linen garments, Pharaoh placed a golden chain over Joseph’s linen garments, making him vulnerable to witchcraft. But Joseph knew this secret as well, and immediately understood Pharaoh’s intentions. Nevertheless, concealing his knowledge, Joseph did not remove the chain at once; he removed it only after he had arrived home. The Yanuka Gaon cites an interesting point from the “Yalkut Reuveni,” which discusses the prohibition against burial in linen garments. He says that the “Yalkut Reuveni” derives this concept from the Zohar HaKadosh, in Parashat Acharei Mot. (Based on Moshe Abramovich’s book “David’s Candle”)