The latest men’s class at the “Menorah Community” youth project of the Dnipro Jewish Community, actively developing through the efforts of the Zislin family, was dedicated to the topic of astrology, folk omens, and various superstitions, as well as how Judaism views these beliefs and which of them are related to Jewish tradition.
The speaker for the gathering was the Deputy Secretary of the Dnipro Rabbinical Court, Reb Avraham Yosef Yitzchak Karshenbaum. The conversation was structured as a serious men’s discussion on what is stated in the Torah and books of Jewish wisdom about the influence of stars on a person’s destiny, and whether it is permissible to rely on horoscopes and various predictions.
During the session, participants carefully examined how the question of astrology and superstitions is addressed in Jewish tradition. They discussed which common beliefs about “signs” and omens have no connection to Judaism, and which phenomena are indeed mentioned in the sources and require proper understanding.
Special attention was given to the main point – the Jewish perspective on human destiny. Participants spoke about how, despite the existence of various natural influences, in Judaism the decisive role is played by a person’s connection with the Almighty, their faith in G-d, and the fulfillment of mitzvos, which are capable of changing a person’s spiritual state and the direction of their life.
“When a person understands that their destiny is determined not by stars or random omens, but by their connection with the Almighty and the fulfillment of mitzvos, it brings clarity and responsibility to life,” noted Levi Zislin, director of the “Menorah Community” project. “Such lessons help men strengthen their connection to Torah and tradition, and ultimately, they strengthen our united and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki.”
