We learn in this week’s Parshas that it is forbidden for a person to perform various types of witchcraft or sorcery. Among the things that are mentioned is a “m’onen,” which according the Chachomim refers to “achizas haeinayim,” meaning a magic show or performance, even though no actual witchcraft is performed. It is for this reason that many halachic authorities forbid hiring a magician to perform at a birthday party. Please speak to your local orthodox Rabbi for his opinion regarding this halachah.

Rabbi Aharon Dovid Singer
Rosh Kollel, NMB Kollel