Magic Tricks

Question: I have always been fascinated by magic tricks. Is it appropriate to study to become a magician?

Answer: The Mishna (Sanhedrin 67a) teaches that one who performs magic (kishuf) is liable to the death penalty, though one who creates an illusion is exempt. Rashi explains that this refers to one who merely gives the impression that they are performing magic, i.e., sleight of hand. The Gemara (ibid. 67b) teaches that while one is exempt for performing such trickery, it is still prohibited.

Rambam (Sefer Hamitzvos Lo Sasei 32; Avoda Zara Vechukos Hagoyim 11:15) includes sleight of hand among the 365 negative mitzvos and warns of the dangerous consequences that such trickery can cause. In addition, one transgresses geneivas daas (deception). The Shulchan Aruch (YD 179:15) writes that sleight of hand is forbidden. While the Tur (YD 179:1) and Shulchan Aruch concede that it is permitted to perform magic by utilising the Sefer Hayetzira, the Shach (YD 179:18) emphasises that this does not apply nowadays, and often caused issues in the past, too.

The Chochmas Adam (89) and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (166:4) write that one must not employ a magician to entertain others by performing sleight of hand tricks. Not only would the magician be transgressing, but by hiring them, one transgresses lifnei iver, misleading others. While one may not even watch such a performer if they are Jewish, one may do so if they are not Jewish. Thus, R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer YD 5:14; Yechave Daas 3:68) and R’ Shmuel Wosner (Shevet Halevi 5:129:1) write that not only may one not employ a magician, but one may not even watch a magic show.

Nonetheless, R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe YD 4:13) writes that watching such entertainers should be no different from admiring others with talents, giving examples of people in Tanach who displayed talent. Thus, provided that people understand that this is talent rather than magic, it should be permitted. Likewise, R’ Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:455) writes that providing the magician tells their audience that the tricks are techniques of deception, it is permitted (see Betzel Hachachma 4:13).

In conclusion, provided that the audience understand that there is no real magic involved, it is permitted to provide such entertainment.