Learn about the different Mazals

The word Mazal does not literally mean "luck." "Mazal" is literally associated with the 12 signs of the Zodiac, which are called the "Mazalot," but we use the word in a way, which means more than just the Zodiac.

   Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto explains that there is a multi-leveled conceptual system through which G-d interacts with the physical Creation. In other words, "energy" which originates with Hashem travels through this system and eventually reaches us. At some point along the way, this energy is said to pass through the Mazalot, the stars and the planets, which then transfer it to the rest of Creation. This explains how people trained in astrology may know what will happen to an individual in the future. They are "reading," through the configuration of the Mazalot, the energy that is yet to be delivered.

     However, we are actually forbidden to engage in the prediction of the future via astrology even though it may work. The source of this prohibition is, "You shall be tamim (pure, perfect, simple) with the L-rd your G-d."

The Talmud cites three life-issues, which are directly affected by the Mazalot: life, children and livelihood. Elsewhere the Talmud seems to contradict this and states that "There is no Mazal regarding the Jewish People." The classical sources explain this to mean that the Jewish People through prayer and other great merits can overcome the influence of Mazalot.

Regarding prayer, the Shulchan Aruch states, "A person must pray with sincere supplication like a poor person begging at the door..." The Chafetz Chaim explains this to mean "that he must pray with supplication like one who is asking for mercy and remember that the fulfillment of his request is not in the hands of anything created, not an angel, nor a Mazal, nor a Star, etc., it is all up to the will of Hashem, may His Name be Blessed."

A Halachic application of Mazal is the custom of a mourner to say Kaddish on the Yahrzeit of a parent, because that day is one of "harmful Mazal" for the mourner, and the reciting of Kaddish affords him protection.

  So, what do we mean when we say "Mazal Tov"? (mazal from the root  lezool, to poor forth) We are saying a brief prayer at this time which is strongly influenced by the Mazalot, that Hashem will ensure that the "energy" that is sent will be only for good.

Sources:

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto - The Way of G-d, 3:7:3.

Devarim (Numbers) ch 18: vs 13.

Talmud (Oral Law) - Tractate Mo'ed Katan, 28a, Shabbat, 156a.

Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagen - Bi'ur Halacha, 132:1.

Rav Yisroel Meir Kagen - Mishna Brura, 98:3

Glossary

Hashem - literally 'the Name'; G-d

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto - 18th century Talmud scholar and mystic, Amsterdam, author of classic work on character-building Path of the Just

Shulchan Aruch - Code of Jewish Law

Chofetz Chaim - Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagen, Radin, (1838-1933), acknowledged as a foremost leader of Jewry, author of basic works in Torah law and character-building

Halacha - Torah law

Written by Rabbi Yehoshua Karsh, during his tenure at Ohr Somayach Institutions / Tanenbaum College, Jerusalem, Israel.

General Editor: Rabbi Zev Kahn

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