Many Jews, immediately following a statement about some positive element or development in their lives, such as the number of wonderful children that they have, say "bli ayin hara" - "without an evil eye." What does that mean and what do they intend to accomplish with that statement?
First I'd like to point out that it is common to say "bli ayin hara" when referring to another's good fortune ("your baby is so cute, bli ayin hara").
ReplyDeleteConcerning why people actually say it and what they mean (in the circumstance which you have presented) there are several different reasons that can be given:
1) It is a prayer. When one relates their own good fortune the audience may "give them an ayin hara". Therefore one says bli ayin hara as a prayer to God that the ayin hara takes no effect.
2) There is some metaphysical power in the words have the ability to counteract an ayin hara.
3) It is a recognition and request to the audience not to "give an ayin hara". While one relates their good fortune, they also inform their audience, by way of saying bli ayin hara, that they do not mean to boast or to mock the other, rather simply to relay information. They hope by saying bli ayin hara the listener will not "give them an ayin hara".
See Divrei Torah Vol. 6 Sect. 7 (from the author of the Minchas Elazar):
ועל כן צדיכין ליזהר כשמספרים בשבחו של חבירו או בהצלחתו בתורה או בעושר ורוב מעלת בניו וכיוצא לומד בכל פעם בלי עין הרע (בלשון המדוברת) וכדאמרינן בב״מ דף ק״ז ע״מ צ״ט בעין הרע עיי״ש. ובפרט בדורותינו כמקובל שולט ביותר האי עינא בישא ר״ל ע״כ צריכין למהר ביותר וגם י״ל דהרי זה בכלל מברך רעהו בקול גדול וגו׳ משלי כ״ז י׳׳ד, ה׳ ישמרנו ויצילנו.
You make very good points. Consider:
ReplyDelete1) Is it appropriate to bring harm upon yourself and immediately follow it with a prayer that the harm should not take effect?
2) It would be necessary to first understand the metaphysical nature of ayin hara before understanding how the words "bli ayin hara" can possibly counteract it in a metaphysical manner.
3) Do you really think people will not be jealous if they are told not to give an ayin hara? Even if people understand your intention behind this phrase, which they very likely do not, the possibility that it would eliminate their jealousy seems a bit far-fetched.
The quote from the Divrei Torah is a good source for the practice, but it does not explain why and how it is effective. It also states that the current (now probably past) generation is more controlled by ayin hara, a statement that needs explanation as well.