Bones and Broomsticks: Sorcery in the Torah Part II [New!]

“Why do the wicked prosper?” (Jeremiah12:1) This question has troubled the faithful from the times of Job and Jeremiah until today. Ought our faith in an unknowable G-d be weakened when witnessing the prosperity of the wicked? A smorgasbord of classic approaches.
(Hebrew)

The human soul has always sensed the presence of a greater power. Yet the “G-d of ​Concealment” has somewhat evaded logical discovery.
​Study some of the classic proofs for the existence of the Creator as presented by ​c​lassic Jewish Philosophers (R​. Saadya Gaon​, Rambam, R’ Bachye ibn Paquda, Ralbag and others), the challenges presented by some more modern authors (including Hume, Kant, Neizche, Darwin​ and Dawkins) and some of the responses offered to their ideas.
​Including a summary and some suggested reading​s​.

Bitachon. It’s a powerful word; the absolute faith that G-d will always provide. From financial deals to health concerns, travel arrangements to hopes for the future – we trust that G-d only acts for the best. But how can we have Bitachon when we’re faced with a violent and dangerous world? When personal tragedy strikes, how can we continue to have faith? Where is the line drawn between Bitachon and folly? When one laughs in the face of nature, is he trusting in G-d or scorning G-d’s providence?

מעיקרי האמונה הוא החיוב להאמין שהקב”ה מושלל הוא מגשם וציור גופני. אך האומנם זאת היא הדיעה המוסכמת אצל גדולי ישראל לדורותיהם? והאם ביכולתו ית׳ הבלתי בעל גבול להתלבש גם בדמות גופני? על שלילת הגשמות והנמנעות אצלו ית׳ בספרות החקירה והחסידות.

Men have​ forever​ clung to non-rational practices to ensure their safety and success. ​But ​the Torah ​requires ​faith in G-d and avoidance of divination and the like. Where is the line between prohibited and permissible divinations or superstitions? Does a Torah-true lifestyle include its own Omens, good signs and practices which are permitted and even encouraged? What ​is the background ​of many of our more well-known Segulos?

Related: It’s Written in the Stars: The Jewish Approach to Astrology, Zodiac and the Horoscopes
and Bones and Broomsticks: Sorcery in the Torah