Question:

 What is your opinion of purchasing a red wrist string over the Internet for the purpose of warding off the "evil eye?"

Answer:

We are not geared up to be a policing agency for Internet websites.

It seems to us that such a purchase over the Internet would be worthless. There do exist things called "segulot," which can have very worthwhile effects.

If a holy rabbi, known for his fear of G-d and devotion to Torah, gives a person some specific advice or guidance, like lighting a candle in the memory of some great rabbi, or saying certain prayers, or performing a certain act, these indeed can have a very great influence in a person's life.

Accepting the advice and guidance of a holy rabbi and tzaddik demonstrates a willingness to acknowledge the existence of a spiritual world beyond our rational comprehension. It shows that a person is ready to step beyond the constraints of his ego and open himself to a higher wisdom based on a respect for Torah sages and a reverence for G-d.

But the key factor is that in addition to a person's desire to get closer to G-d, he or she must be certain that the rabbi is a true servant of G-d and known for his selfless devotion to Torah.