- Halacha
- General Questions
553
Question
I had heard that the word Mazal comes from the word Mazalot, meaning constellations in the Torah. If this is so, then wishing someone Mazal-Tov as either good luck or congratulations would be considered a form of astrology. I am curious why this is considered permissable when other forms of astrology are considered Asur.
Answer
There are two sources discussing Mazalot:
A. Everything depends on Mazal, even the Sefer Torah in the Mikdash.
B. Israel (the Israeli people) has no Mazal.
The answer is that there are constellations in the world, such as the solar system and the stars, and the world is run according to them, on Hashem's command - but Jews have the power to can change that with their prayers.
In addition, one may study astrology, like Shmuel said in the Gemara: I now the paths of he skies like I know the paths of Nehardea (where he lived). It all depends on the purpose one studies for: do I attribute powers to the Mazalot from themselves, and not from Hashem - or do I understand that there is nothing other than Hashem, everything is from him, and I'm learning just to be more knowledgeable like any other subject.
Rabbi Ro'i Margalit

regarding the day beginning at nightfall
Rabbi David Sperling | Cheshvan 13, 5785

Proper way to kiss a mezuzah or Torah
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 28 Av 5766

Being like God
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 2, 5785

Shlita - Why only for Rabbis
Rabbi David Sperling | Elul 8, 5773

Ever Hayarden Hamizrachi - Eretz Israel?
Rabbi Baruch Finkelstein | 17 Av 5767

Water - Kosher?
Rabbi Dr. Aharon Adler | 4 Tevet 5763
The Kennedy Family
Rabbi Berel Wein | 16 Cheshvan 5763

Newsweek, sports illustrated, people magazine on Shabbat
Rabbi David Samson | 2 Shevat 5763

Regarding Anunnaki- paganism & monotheism
Rabbi Ari Shvat |

Mourners
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Sivan 15, 5785

Stone setting
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Sivan 19, 5785
