By Rabbi Berach Steinfeld
The Torah commands us to keep the Shabbos in Parshas Vayikra, Perek Yud Tes, pesukim lamed and lamed alef. In addition, we are told not to utilize the services of the “oivois” and “yidoinim.” The Gemara in Sanhedrin in daf samech heh, amud bais explains that oivois and yidoinim were people who practiced kishuf (sorcery). They would bring up the soul of a departed person either by putting a bone between two joints or by an elbow. They would then question the soul. The Gemara adds that this sorcery would not work on Shabbos; it would only be successful during the week.
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