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The
Exploitation of the Talmudic Sage Yonathan ben Uziel
'The
Myth of Praying at Amuka for a Spouse'
July
11, 2011
There
is an increasingly popular practice of Jewish people
annual traveling to the town of Amuka near Safed,
Israel, to the traditional location of the tomb of
the Jewish sage, Yonatan ben Uziel. Yonatan was a
Tanna of the Mishnah and was considered the greatest
student of Hillel (died c.10 CE). It is at this tomb
where people have been going to pray to find a spouse.
Those who cannot go to Amuka, often choose to instead
pay others that offer a service of "praying for
them."
However,
an examination of the literature demonstrates conflicting
reports on the location of the actual burial location
of Yonatan ben Uziel, and the practice of praying at
this tomb seems to be a modern one-not an ancient one.
Further, in the name if this Talmudic sage, large amounts
of money are being collected, all for the promise of
someone praying at this man's alleged burial location,
specifically for those desperate for marriage.
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