Pulsa diNura

What it is

The Pulsa diNura, meaning 'the lash of fire' in Jewish Babylonian Aramaic, is described as a ceremony within the Kabbalistic tradition. Practitioners believe it invokes destroying angels to block divine forgiveness for a specific individual's sins. This spiritual intervention is said to unleash biblical curses upon the target, ultimately resulting in their death. The ritual is considered highly controversial due to its alleged use against prominent political figures.

Where it comes from

Scholars such as Dr. Dov Schwartz and Moshe Yehuda Blau argue the ceremony lacks basis in traditional Judaism and originated in the mid-20th century. While the phrase appears in classical rabbinic literature regarding heavenly punishment, the modern invocation ritual draws from Hebrew magical manuals like Sefer HaRazim and The Sword of Moses rather than core Kabbalistic texts.

How it is done

The ritual involves reciting maledictions to gain permission from destroying angels to harm the target. Reports indicate ceremonies have been performed in locations such as Safed and Rosh Pina. Participants claim to invoke these spirits to kill individuals accused of inciting the holy people or transferring land to enemies.

Tools and materials

The primary tools are the destroying angels and the spoken words of the curse. The ritual relies on the authority granted by these celestial beings to execute the malediction.

What it is for

The intent is to cause the death of individuals deemed to have committed major transgressions against the community or state. It has been allegedly used against politicians, archaeologists, and authors. The goal is to bring about divine retribution through the blocking of forgiveness and the unleashing of curses.

Who does it

The practice is associated with Haredi Jews and certain ultra-nationalist groups. Figures like Yosef Dayan and Avigdor Eskin have claimed involvement. Training is not detailed, but participants often cite rabbinical guidance or angelic permission. The role is typically taken by those who view themselves as enacting divine justice.

Peoples and places

The ritual is primarily linked to Israeli society and Haredi communities. Accusations of its use appear frequently in Israeli media over the past fifty years. It is viewed as a significant cultural phenomenon in Israel, with a saying noting that one has not entered politics without being cursed by it.

What people believe

Adherents hold that the ritual can alter spiritual fate by preventing heavenly mercy. They believe the destroying angels will enforce the curse, leading to physical death. This belief system integrates concepts of sin, divine punishment, and the power of spoken words to influence celestial beings.

When it is done

No specific festivals or calendar days are tied to the ritual. It is performed during times of crisis or perceived moral threat, such as before political assassinations or during debates over military draft laws. The timing is reactive to current events rather than fixed.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Historicity is questioned by scholars who note the lack of pre-1948 evidence. Researchers point out that while the term exists in ancient texts, the modern ritual format is a recent innovation.

Compare and confuse

It is related to the concept of Herem, a form of censure in Jewish law. Unlike formal religious censures, the Pulsa diNura is an informal, extra-judicial curse. It differs from standard prayers by seeking active destruction rather than correction or exclusion.

Law and persecution

While not explicitly illegal, the ritual is surrounded by controversy and legal scrutiny when linked to violent acts. Authorities monitor its use in contexts involving threats against public officials. The association with extremist groups leads to heightened security measures for targeted individuals.

Questions people ask about Pulsa diNura

Good reading and sources

• Pulsa diNura on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data