2 Sivan – the Birthday of Segula
Tehillim 135:4 - "Ki Yaakov bachar lo Yah, Yisrael l'segulato" - (For the L-rd has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel as His treasured possession.)2 Sivan is called “Yom Ha-Miyuchas” (the special day)—the day when G-d said: “You shall be set apart for Me from among the nations.” This is the very day when G-d called our people וִהְיִיתֶם לִי סְגֻלָּה מִכָּל-הָעַמִּים – “then you will be a segula for Me—a treasure among all the nations (My treasured possession).” (Shemot, Yitro: 5)
David HaMelech says the same in Tehillim 135:4: - "Ki Yaakov bachar lo Yah, Yisrael l'segulato" - (For the L-rd has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel as His treasured possession.)Kabbalists explain that in order to awaken this power, one must study the original Kabbalistic sources.
The word “Segula” (סגוּלָה) means not only a precious object, but also a special possession belonging to a particular owner. No one else can use it or derive benefit from it.
Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin explains in his book Nefesh HaChaim: “Israel is called a nation that is a segula because, through the observance of the Torah and mitzvot, it is governed (from Heaven) by wondrous ways—the ways of segula—and its prayers are likewise answered, contrary to the natural order.” “Sefer HaBrit writes:
“The mitzvot are dear to us, for each one possesses its own unique segula tova:
- Tzedakah can save a person from death (in cases where, according to the natural course of events, all calculations would indicate that the person should have died). - The mitzvah of Kiddush Levanah can save a person from death at the hands of another. - The mitzvah of sukkah protects us from lengthy searches for suitable housing and from numerous relocations and moves. And so it is with all the other mitzvot, each of which possesses a particular segula.” We see that a segula is directed spiritual work: a particular mitzvah that can best awaken the very spiritual forces needed to overcome a specific problem, when observed in the best possible manner. And it is only because we do not always know which mitzvah can have the necessary effect, and do not see the connection between things, that the concept of segula takes on a somewhat magical quality in our eyes. A classic example of such a segula is cited in Tractate Shabbat: - “One who is careful and diligent in lighting Shabbat and Chanukah candles will merit sons who are Torah scholars.” Had it not been for the words of our Sages, we would never have known of this great segula. Of course, there are segulot that are mysterious and completely beyond our understanding. Here, the words of Rabbi Aharon Zaki, author of Segulot U-Tefilot, are particularly apt: “Although there are segulot mentioned by the Sages of the Mishnah, one should not mistake the secondary for the primary. Some people, completely distant from Torah and mitzvot, fall into trouble and begin seeking out every possible segula, but they are not following the proper path, failing to understand that the power of a segula depends on our faith in the Creator, blessed be His Name, upon Whom the lives of all created beings depend. We must always turn to Him in supplication, asking Him to hear and answer us, and to guide our steps to the right doctor, who will select the appropriate treatment for us. For the Creator, blessed be His Name, is the only Healer. And all the more so if a tear falls during prayer, for the gates of tears are never locked.” Most segulot consist precisely of special prayers to the Creator for various circumstances in life, composed by great sages and righteous people. For example, the prayer of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, recited at the conclusion of Shabbat; the prayer of Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin for times of danger; and others. However, when it comes to refining one’s character traits, there are no “magical” formulas; long, painstaking spiritual work is required. But since a segula is the mitzvah most effective for our particular situation, we can nevertheless find segulot suited to us. Our Sages teach that events that took place in the past preserve channels for all time. 2 Sivan is the channel through which our people were called a Segula—a great day for prayer. A great segula for women is to recite the following on this day: the prayer Nishmat Kol Chai, followed by Tehillim, chapters 27, 30, 49, 51, 63, and 77, and personal requests. For men: Masechet Shabbat and Tikkun HaKlali.(website: psalmstore.ru, Rabbi Zeev Urman, Rabbi Raphael Avitan)
