Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these [stars], that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that [he is] strong in power; not one faileth.
If you look at the stars, you can see God's handiwork and come to know Him. When you see the beauty, the majesty, and the awesomeness of the universe you can't help but be drawn to the Creator.
The Laws Concerning Idolatry 1:1-2 "In the days of Enosh (before Noah), people made a serious mistake. The sages of this era erred and Enosh himself was among those who erred. They considered that since God put stars and heavenly bodies in brilliant splendor above us to regulate life on earth and to be His first servants, then it is fitting to honor and glorify them...When they conceived this idea, they began to erect temples to the stars, offered up sacrifices to them, praised and glorified them in speech, and prostrated themselves before them - to obtain the Creator's favor, according to their corrupt notions. This was the root of idolatry...So gradually the custom spread throughout the world to worship figures with various types of worship, such as offering them sacrifices and bowing to them. As time went on, the honored and revered Name of God was forgotten by humanity, vanished from their lips and hearts and was no longer known to them...The Creator of the universe was known to none, and recognized by none, save a few solitary individuals such as Enoch, Methuselah, Noah, Shem, and Ever. The world moved on in this fashion until the 'Pillar of the World' - Abraham, our father - was born.".
Devarim (Deuteronomy) 4:19-20 "And lest you raise your eyes unto heaven, and when you see the Sun and the moon and the stars, and other heavenly bodies, you should not be misled to worship them and serve that which the Lord God had apportioned unto all the nations under the whole heaven."
Thus says Abraham bar Samuel bar Abraham Zacuto:
“The people of Israel are compared to stars by name and number, as best gold objects incrusted with precious stones. Even more so the wise and pious men, for it is said, ‘The wise men will shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who lead others to righteousness <will shine> like stars for ever and ever’. That is the great difference between those who provide themselves with merit, and those who lead others to righteousness and provide others with merit. The star in heaven is similar to the soul in the body, being its most important part. They, I mean the sages of Mishna and Talmud, and those who came after them who wrote books to dispense virtues among us, they illuminate our souls.”
The sun, moon, and stars clearly have a message:
Bereshit (Genesis) 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
There is much conjecture and speculation by some people as to the meanings of major conjunctions and alignments of the planets with the Sun and the moon. I have steadfastly refused to engage in such speculation because I do not have enough prior history to form reasonable conclusions. My current position is that I would need to understand how conjunctions and alignments were involved in major historical events that have affected Israel in the past. I do not yet have enough data to come to any conclusions.
The non-Rambam view is that there is something to astrology, but it is forbidden for Jews to act upon astrological predictions, as this distances the Jew from HaShem and the close, straightforward relationship He wants between the People of Israel and Himself, and being faithful to HaShem and keeping Torah and mitzvot allows the Jew to rise "above his Mazal - luck ".
The Talmud states:
Shabbat 156a "Rabbi Yochanan said: How do we know that Israel is immune to planetary influence? Because it is written, 'Thus said HaShem: Do not learn the ways of the nations and do not fear the signs of heaven, for the nations fear them (Yirmiyahu 10:2) The nations fear them, but Israel does not."
There are two incidents related in the Talmud (Shabbat 156b) where astrologers predicted death to a certain individual. In both cases, the snake or serpent "predicted" showed up, but the individual lived. In both cases, the non-fulfillment of the prediction, so to speak, was attributed to acts of kindness on the part of the individual.
The very first place in the Torah that we find the word mazzaroth, it is spelled out every seven letters in:
Genesis 4:26 – 5:1 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of HaShem. This [is] the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
This is curious in light of what the Jewish Historian. Josephus, says:
Josephus in Antiquities Chapter 1 says: “Now this Seth, when he was brought up, and came to those years in which he could discern what was good, became a virtuous man; and as he was himself of an excellent character, so did he leave children behind him who imitated his virtues.(9) All these proved to be of good dispositions. They also inhabited the same country without dissensions, and in a happy condition, without any misfortunes falling upon them, till they died. They also were the inventors of that peculiar sort of wisdom which is concerned with the heavenly bodies, and their order.”
Sefer HaYashar
CHAPTER 8
1 And it was in the night that Abram was born, that all the servants of Terah, and all the wise men of Nimrod, and his conjurors came and ate and drank in the house of Terah, and they rejoiced with him on that night.
2 And when all the wise men and conjurors went out from the house of Terah, they lifted up their eyes toward heaven that night to look at the stars, and they saw, and behold one very large star came from the east and ran in the heavens, and he swallowed up the four stars from the four sides of the heavens.
3 And all the wise men of the king and his conjurors were astonished at the sight, and the sages understood this matter, and they knew its import.
4 And they said to each other, This only betokens the child that has been born to Terah this night, who will grow up and be fruitful, and multiply, and possess all the earth, he and his children for ever, and he and his seed will slay great kings, and inherit their lands.
5 And the wise men and conjurors went home that night, and in the morning all these wise men and conjurors rose up early, and assembled in an appointed house.
6 And they spoke and said to each other, Behold the sight that we saw last night is hidden from the king, it has not been made known to him.
7 And should this thing get known to the king in the latter days, he will say to us, Why have you concealed this matter from me, and then we shall all suffer death; therefore, now let us go and tell the king the sight which we saw, and the interpretation thereof, and we shall then remain clear.
* * *
CHAPTER 53
16 …Joseph afterward turned to his brother Benjamin to speak with him, and Benjamin was still sitting upon the throne before Joseph.
17 And Joseph said unto him, Hast thou begotten any children? and he said, Thy servant has ten sons, and these are their names, Bela, Becher, Ashbal, Gera, Naaman, Achi, Rosh, Mupim, Chupim, and Ord, and I called their names after my brother whom I have not seen.
18 And he ordered them to bring before him his map of the stars, whereby Joseph knew all the times, and Joseph said unto Benjamin, I have heard that the Hebrews are acquainted with all wisdom, dost thou know anything of this?
19 And Benjamin said, Thy servant is knowing also in all the wisdom which my father taught me, and Joseph said unto Benjamin, Look now at this instrument and understand where thy brother Joseph is in Egypt, who you said went down to Egypt.
20 And Benjamin beheld that instrument with the map of the stars of heaven, and he was wise and looked therein to know where his brother was, and Benjamin divided the whole land of Egypt into four divisions, and he found that he who was sitting upon the throne before him was his brother Joseph, and Benjamin wondered greatly, and when Joseph saw that his brother Benjamin was so much astonished, he said unto Benjamin, What hast thou seen, and why art thou astonished?
21 And Benjamin said unto Joseph, I can see by this that Joseph my brother sitteth here with me upon the throne, and Joseph said unto him, I am Joseph thy brother, reveal not this thing unto thy brethren; behold I will send thee with them when they go away, and I will command them to be brought back again into the city, and I will take thee away from them.
22 And if they dare their lives and fight for thee, then shall I know that they have repented of what they did unto me, and I will make myself known to them, and if they forsake thee when I take thee, then shalt thou remain with me, and I will wrangle with them, and they shall go away, and I will not become known to them.
In The Talmud
Rosh HaShana 11b R. Joshua and R. Eliezer are herein consistent [with views expressed by them elsewhere], as it has been taught: ‘In the sixth hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month.8 R. Joshua said: That day was the seventeenth day of Iyar, when the constellation of Pleiades sets at daybreak and the fountains begin to dry up, and because they [mankind] perverted their ways, the Holy One, blessed be He, changed for them the work of creation and made the constellation of Pleiades rise at daybreak and took two stars from the Pleiades and brought a flood on the world. R. Eliezer said: That day was the seventeenth of Marheshvan, a day on which the constellation of Pleiades rises at daybreak, and [the season] when the fountains begin to fill, and because they perverted their ways, the Holy One, blessed be He, changed for them the work of creation, and caused the constellation of Pleiades to rise at daybreak and took away two stars [from it] and brought a flood on the world’.
Berachoth 58b Samuel contrasted two texts. It is written, Who maketh the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades. And it is written elsewhere, That maketh Pleiades and Orion. How do we reconcile these? Were it not for the heat of Orion the world could not endure the cold of Pleiades; and were it not for the cold of Pleiades the world could not endure the heat of Orion. There is a tradition that were it not that the tail of the Scorpion has been placed in the Stream of Fire, no one who has ever been stung by a scorpion could live. This is what is referred to in the words of the All-Merciful to Job: Canst thou bind the chains of Pleiades or loose the bands of Orion?
What is meant by Kimah [Pleiades]? Samuel said: About a hundred [ke'me-ah] stars. Some say they are close together; others say that they are scattered. What is meant by ‘’Ash [the Bear]’? — Rab Judah said: Jutha. What is Jutha? — Some say it is the tail of the Ram; others say it is the hand of the Calf. The one who says it is the tail of the Ram is more probably right, since it says: ‘Ayish will be comforted for her children. This shows that it lacks something, and in fact it looks like a piece torn off;1 and the reason why she follows her is because she is saying to her: Give me my children. For at the time when the Holy One, blessed be He, wanted to bring a flood upon the world, He took two stars from Kimah and brought a flood upon the world. And when He wanted to stop it, He took two stars from ‘Ayish and stopped it. But why did He not put the other two back? — A pit cannot be filled with its own clods; or another reason is, the accuser cannot become advocate. Then He should have created two other stars for it? — There is nothing new under the sun. R. Nahman said: The Holy one, blessed be He, will one day restore them to her, as it says: and ‘Ayish will be comforted for her children.
A spiral in time
The Jewish view of time is not that of a straight timeline, but rather a spiraling one. Each year, we complete a turn of the circle and touch the same points, although in a slightly different way. Additionally, Jewish tradition holds that the yearly cycle of holidays do not just represent commemorations of past events, but that the great events of our past occurred when they did because those were the appropriate spiritual seasons for those holidays. This paradigm has strategic importance to our understanding of future events and their timing.
The Torah refers to the festivals of the Jewish calendar as moedim, “appointed times”. “These are HaShem’s appointed times,” reads the introductory verse to the Torah’s listing of the festivals in the book of Vayikra, “callings of holiness, which you shall call in their appointed times.” A festival is an appointment with HaShem and the past, an encounter with an event and phenomenon in our history. It is an opportunity to “call” forth the particular “holiness” of the day, to tap the spiritual resources it holds.
One of the most important applications of Judaic Astrology is in the correct understanding of the Jewish holidays. Under this doctrine, we learn that the holidays are actually effects from the cosmos. For example, the holiday of Passover occurred with the positive assistance of the celestial realm. Celebrating Passover every year is NOT because of tradition, commemoration of an event that occurred some odd years ago, or to pay our respects. Rather, every year when the earth hits that point on its revolution path around the sun, an opening is created.
This opening allows us to connect to this fulfilling ENERGY or spiritual Light of Passover that is available only on that day. Therefore, with the proper tools and with the proper "kavannah" (thought consciousness), every generation, whatever time frame they find themselves in, is capable of re-creating their own Passover. This holds true not only for Passover, but also for Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Purim, Chanukah, and every other Jewish holiday.
It is with the assistance of the Hebrew calendar that we learn that there are positive and negative times throughout the year. What does this mean? Plain and simple, there are days in the year in which it is beneficial to begin new ventures (getting married, buying something new, etc.) and there are times in the year where it is better to avoid beginning these new ventures. For example, the Omer (time period from Passover to Shavuot) and the Hebrew month of Cheshvan are examples of negative times during the year.
Under the Judaic calendar, there are twelve months in a year, each month depending upon the moon's revolution around the earth. Each Hebrew month, each new moon cycle, has a specific constellation and planet that has their influence over that month. The effects from these ruling constellations and planets are felt by all. This is why we have different moods, desires, and inclinations at different times of the year. People born in the same Hebrew month all share common characteristics, both good and bad. They also share a similar correction, based on their previous lifetimes. This is why they were born in that month.
A day is determined by a successful rotation of the earth.
The day is divided into three parts: sunrise till noon,
noon till sunset, and night-time. These times of the
day also have different influences on us. This is why we feel different, and
have different inclinations during each of these portions of the day. This is
also why there are different prayers for the
different portions of the day.
Every Rosh Hashanah, every time
the earth hits that point in which it makes a successful revolution around the sun, a new year is created. A
new year is a new revelation.
Openings are created as history replays itself, yet renews itself over and over
again.
Proper Use
Through studying the meaning behind the various aspects associated with a particular month, you can define the spiritual potential for you in each time period. The Kabbalists looked to Astrology more to get a general feeling for what a month can offer spiritually rather than to predict what will happen on any given day. They used this knowledge for personal growth.
To predict daily or hourly events would violate a biblical prohibition:
Yayikra (Leviticus) 19:26 "Do not act on the basis of auspicious times".
Predicting events too precisely leads one away from the understanding that God is involved with every molecule of existence and can alter events at will. This danger appears to be the basis of all biblical injunctions against Astrology. In order for us to have a close ongoing personal relationship with God, we need to keep the perspective that He is involved with every aspect of life. Even though He designed the heavens to have a complex system of influence, He did not set it up and walk away.
The Kabbalists use their understanding of the heavenly influences to see the spiritual potential in each time period, as opposed to predicting the future. They seek the hidden opportunities for elevation, always striving for a closer relationship with God.
Shmita Year
According to the Torah, the land of Israel must be allowed to lie fallow every seventh year, but according to a rabbinical dispensation, known as a heter mechira, which has been used for over a century, Jewish farmers have been allowed to symbolically sell the land to an Arab. In the year 5761 (2000), with the backing of the country's leading haredi rabbinical adjudicator, Rabbi Shalom Yosef Elyashiv, the Jerusalem Religious Council announced it would not recognize the heter.
The last Sabbatical year was 5761
"according to the way we count here"
The next Sabbatical year is 5768
"according to the way we count here"
The year 5763 began on:
Rosh Hashanah Tishri 1, 5763 Sat, Sep 7, 2002
The year 5764 will begin on:
Rosh Hashanah Tishri 1, 5764 Sat, Sep 27, 2003
The year 5765 will begin on:
Rosh Hashanah Tishri 1, 5765 Thu, Sep 16, 2004
VISIBLE CONJUNCTIONS:
Date |
Year |
Hebrew Date |
Planets |
Nov 03 |
2002 |
Heshvan 28, 5763 |
Mercury Venus |
May 27 |
2003 |
Iyar 25, 5763 |
Mercury Venus |
June 20 |
2003 |
Sivan 20, 5763 |
Mercury Venus |
June 30 |
2003 |
Sivan 30, 5763 |
Mercury Saturn |
July 08 |
2003 |
Tammuz 8, 5763 |
Venus Saturn |
July 15 |
2003 |
Tammuz 15, 5763 |
Mercury Mars |
July 25 |
2003 |
Tammuz 25, 5763 |
Mercury Jupiter |
Aug 21 |
2003 |
Av 23, 5763 |
Venus Jupiter |
Sept 06 |
2003 |
Elul 9, 5763 |
Mercury Venus |
May 24 |
2004 |
Nisan 2, 5764 |
Mars Saturn |
June 12 |
2004 |
Sivan 23, 5764 |
Mercury Venus |
June 26 |
2004 |
Tammuz 7, 5764 |
Mercury Saturn |
Jul 10 |
2004 |
Tammuz 21, 5764 |
Mercury Mars |
Aug 16 |
2004 |
Av 29, 5764 |
Mercury Mars |
Aug 31 |
2004 |
Elul 14, 5764 |
Venus Saturn |
Sep 27 |
2004 |
Tishri 12, 5765 |
Mars Jupiter |
Sep 28 |
2004 |
Tishri 13, 5765 |
Mercury Jupiter |
Sep 29 |
2004 |
Tishri 14, 5765 |
Mercury Mars |
Nov 4 |
2004 |
Heshvan 20, 5765 |
Venus Jupiter |
Dec 5 |
2004 |
Kislev 22, 5765 |
Venus Mars |
Dec 28 |
2004 |
Tevet 16, 5765 |
Mercury Venus |
December 1, 2002 corresponds to:
Sunday, Kislev 26, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
Chanukah Second day.
Day 39 of God's rain in Noah's day. Gen. 7:4
Torah section is Numbers 7:18-23.
Sabbath reading: Mi-Kez, Gen 41:1-44:17
and: Chanukah 8, Num 7:18-29
Prophets: I Kings 3:15-4:1
Replaced by: Sab2 Chanukah, I Kings 7:40-50
Mars and Venus very close to the old moon during Chanukah.
Chanukah is the only holiday which crosses over the threshold of a new month. It seems to need to draw influence from two zodiac signs to make itself happen.
The reason Chanukah spans across two months is because the message of Chanukah is Torah. Not just any Torah, new Torah! Chanukah starts in Kislev. Great, been there! Done that! It's time for something new. Ah, the new month of Tevet. And sometimes Rosh Chodesh Tevet is one day, sometimes it's two days. You never know form year to the next. Always something new!
* * *
December 4, 2002 corresponds to:
Wednesday, Kislev 29, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah.
Day 1. Genesis 7:24
Torah section is Numbers 7:36-41.
Sabbath reading:
Mi-Kez, Gen 41:1-44:17
and: Chanukah 8, Num 7:18-29
Prophets: I Kings 3:15-4:1
Replaced by: Sab2 Chanukah, I Kings 7:40-50
Total eclipse of the Sun during Chanukah. Not visible from Israel.
New Moon occults Mercury during Chanukah.
* * *
December 19, 2002 corresponds to:
Thursday, Tevet 14, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah.
Day 16. Genesis 7:24
Sabbath reading: Va-Yehi, Gen 47:28-50:26
Prophets: I Kings 2:1-12
Full moon close to Saturn VaYihi!
* * *
December 29, 2002 corresponds to:
Sunday, Tevet 24, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah.
Day 26. Genesis 7:24
Sabbath reading: Va-Era, Ex 6:2-9:35
and: Rosh Chodesh, Num 28:9-15
Prophets: Ezek 28:25-29:21
Replaced by: Rosh Chodesh, Isa 66:1-24
Old Moon occults Mars whilst close to Venus
* * *
January 3, 2003 corresponds to:
Friday, Tevet 29, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah.
Day 31. Genesis 7:24
Sabbath reading: Va-Era, Ex 6:2-9:35
and: Rosh Chodesh, Num 28:9-15
Prophets: Ezek 28:25-29:21
Replaced by: Rosh Chodesh, Isa 66:1-24
January 3-5
Quadrantids Meteor shower. The new moon should ensure a great show. Look east after midnight.
The Gulf War started on Shevat 1, 5751 (Sabbath reading: Bo, Ex 10:1-13:16 - Prophets: Jer 46:13-28), January 16 1991, when the allied forces began the aerial bombing of Iraq, following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait the previous summer.
I have pondered the connection between WWI and WWII as they compare to the Gulf war and the upcoming war with Iraq. There are an enormous number of coincidental points.
The Gulf War ceasefire - Adar 14, 5751 (February 28, 1991)
It is the morning of February 28, 1991. Inside the synagogues, the Book of Esther is read aloud. It is the story of a great turn of events for the Jewish people. The wicked viceroy of Persia, Haman, had plotted to murder all the Jews in the kingdom. Through a sequence of inexplicable and miraculous events, the tables were turned, and through the efforts of the Jewish leaders Mordechai and Esther, Haman was hanged on the very day that he chose to kill the Jews. For 2,500 years, Purim has been a day to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
This suggests that the war with Iraq will be a war of Edom agains Amalek. If this pattern hold true, then this new war will also end on Purim:
Adar II 14, 5763 is Tuesday, March 18, 2003
The second Gulf War began on Shushan Purim, II Adar 15, 5763. The war began 12 years to the day after the first Gulf war ended, to the day!
* * *
January 15, 2003 corresponds to:
Wednesday, Shevat 13, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah.
Day 44. Genesis 7:24
Moses proclaims the "second law"
(Deuteronomy) to the Israelites - day 13.
Deuteronomy 1:3
Sabbath reading: Be-Shallah, Ex 13:17-17:16
Prophets: Judge 4:4-5:31
Moon close to Saturn
* * *
January 27, 2003 corresponds to:
Monday, Shevat 24, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah.
Day 55. Genesis 7:24
Moses proclaims the "second law"
(Deuteronomy) to the Israelites - day 24.
Deuteronomy 1:3
Zechariah has the vision of the red, brown, and
white horses. Predicts the restoration of Zion.
Zechariah 1:7-8
Sabbath reading: Mishpatim, Ex 21:1-24:18
Prophets: Jer 34:8-22, 33:25-26
Replaced by: Pre-Rosh Chodesh,I Sam 20:18-42
Moon occults Mars
* * *
May 5, 2003 corresponds to:
Monday, Iyar 3, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
The Omer, day 18, week 2 plus 4 days.
Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah.
Day 123. Genesis 7:24
Yocheved hides Moses after a 6 month and one
day pregnancy - day 56. Artscroll Mesorah on
Shavuos, page 61.
Yeshua’s alive! It is resurrection day 16.
Paul stays seven days in Troas. Today is
Sabbath. Day 6 Acts 20:6
Sabbath reading: Emor, Lev 21:1-24:23
Prophets: Ezek 44:15-31
May 5-6
Eta Aquarids Meteor shower. Look east after midnight.
* * *
May 7, 2003 corresponds to:
Wednesday, Iyar 5, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
The Omer, day 20, week 2 plus 6 days.
Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah.
Day 125. Genesis 7:24
Yocheved hides Moses after a 6 month and one
day pregnancy - day 58. Artscroll Mesorah on
Shavuos, page 61.
Yeshua’s alive! It is resurrection day 18.
Israel independence day. Israel became a nation
in 1948.
Sabbath reading: Emor, Lev 21:1-24:23
Prophets: Ezek 44:15-31
Transit of Mercury will be visiible from Jerusalem.
* * *
Total Lunar Eclipse on Iyar 14, 5763
The Second Passover
May 16, 2003 corresponds to:
Erev Shabbat, Friday, Iyar 14, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
The Omer, day 29, week 4 plus 1 days.
Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah.
Day 134. Genesis 7:24
Yocheved hides Moses after a six month and one
day pregnancy - day 66. Artscroll Mesorah on
Shavuos, page 61.
Yeshua’s alive! It is resurrection day 27.
Iyar 14 is also the beginning of the second Passover found in:
Bamidbar (Numbers) 9:9-14 And HaShem spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or [be] in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto HaShem. The fourteenth day of the second month (Iyar) at even they shall keep it, [and] eat it with unleavened bread and bitter [herbs]. They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it. But the man that [is] clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of HaShem in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin. And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto HaShem; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.
A total Lunar eclipse on the second Passover. The Passover celebrated by those who have become tamei by contact with the dead, or they are on a journey.
Sabbath reading:
Torah: BeHar, Vayikra (Leviticus) 25:1-26:2:
Prophets: Yiremyahu (Jeremiah) 32:6-27:
Jeremiah buys a field for the end of the Babylonian exile
Total Eclipse of the Moon as seen from the moon.
* * *
May 29, 2003 corresponds to:
Thursday, Iyar 27, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
The Omer, day 42, week 6 plus 0 days.
Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah.
Day 147. Genesis 7:24
Yocheved hides Moses after a 6 month and one
day pregnancy - day 79. Artscroll Mesorah on
Shavuos, page 61.
Israelites camp at Rephidim (baluster place) in
2448 AM. This is camp 10, day 5.
Seder Olam 5
Hezekiah celebrates the Second Hag ha-Matza
for 7 more days. Thirteenth day. II Chronicles
30:13-22
Yeshua’s alive! It is resurrection day 40.
Messiah ascended into heaven. Acts 1:3
Sabbath reading: Be-Midbar, Num 1:1-4:20
Prophets: Hos 2:1-22
Replaced by: Pre-Rosh Chodesh,I Sam 20:18-42
Moon occults Venus at dawn
* * *
May 31, 2003 corresponds to:
Saturday, Iyar 29, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
The Omer, day 44, week 6 plus 2 days.
Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah.
Day 149. Genesis 7:24
Yocheved hides Moses after a six month and one
day pregnancy - day 81. Artscroll Mesorah on
Shavuos, page 61.
Israelites, in Hezekiah's day, smash the sacred
stones and cut down the Asherah poles.
2 Chronicles 30, 31:1
Israelites camp at Rephidim (baluster place) in
2448 AM. This is camp 10, day 7.
Seder Olam 5
Yerushalayim was liberated, including Har
Habayit and the Kotel Hamaaravi, in the Six
Day War, 5728 [1967]
Yahrtzeit of Shmuel Hanavi 2882 [878 BCE].
Megillat Taanit.
Sabbath reading: Be-Midbar, Num 1:1-4:20
Prophets: Hos 2:1-22
Replaced by: Pre-Rosh Chodesh,I Sam 20:18-42
6:27am Annular solar eclipse
* * *
June 8, 2004 Transit of Venus
June 8, 2004 corresponds to:
Tuesday, Sivan 19, 5764
Events for this day of the year:
Moses goes up on Sinai, the first time, to receive
the Torah - day 13. Rashi 32:1, Exodus 24:18
Sabbath reading: Shela Lekha, Num 13:1-15:41
Prophets: Josh 2:1-24
The 2004 transit of Venus will be the first one since 1882.
* * *
July 17, 2003 corresponds to:
Thursday, Tammuz 17, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
Joseph and Samuel are born. It is forty weeks after Tishrei 1.
Moses' spies search out the promised land. Day
19 Numbers 13, 14 Mishna, Ta'an 29a
The sin of he golden calf is committed.
Moses breaks the tablets containing the Ten
Commandments, after forty days on Mt. Sinai.
Exodus 24:18 - 31:18, Taanit 28b
Levites kill 3000 Israelites and become set apart
Cessation of the daily sacrifice in the first
Jerusalem walls destroyed. Titus takes the outer
Talmud Erachin 11b
Fast of Tammuz. the beginning of bein
ha-mezarim, a three-week period of
semi-mourning for the destruction of the
Temple. This is the fast of the fourth month.
Zechariah 9:19
Sabbath reading: Pinhas, Num 25:10-30:1
Prophets: I Kings 18:46-19:21
Replaced by: Jer 1:1-2:3
12:27pm Moon occults Mars
* * *
July 28, 2003 corresponds to:
Monday, Tammuz 28, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
Moses goes up on Sinai, a second time, to plead
for mercy after the golden calf - day 10.
Moses' spies search out the promised land. Day
30 Numbers 13, 14 Mishna, Ta'an 29a
Sabbath reading: Devarim, Deut 1:1-3:22
Prophets: Isa 1:1-27, Hazon
July 28-29
Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower during old moon. Look east after midnight.
* * *
August 13, 2003 corresponds to:
Wednesday, Av 15, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
Moses goes up on Sinai, a second time, to plead
for mercy after the golden calf - day 26.
The appointed time for the family of Zattu (tribe
of Judah) and with them were the priests and
Levites and all those who were not certain of
their tribes and the bene Gonbe'ali and
the bene Koze Kezi'oth to bring firewood for
the Temple. Nehemiah 10:34, Taanis 26a
One of the two greatest days for celebration
(Yom HaKippurim was the other).
Talmud (Mesechta Taanis 26b) Menachos 85b
Israelites camp at Divon Gad (sorrowing), 2488
AM. This is camp 38. Study on Numbers 33
Taanith 30b
The last of the exodus generation died.
Bava Batra 121a
Inter-tribal marriage permitted, after the
parcelization of the land.
Reconciliation between of Benyamin and the
other tribes. Judges 21:14
Hoshea ben Elah, King of Israel, removed the
blockades set by Yavrovam ben Nevat had
constructed to prevent the people from
ascending to Jerusalem for the pilgrimage
festivals. The Book of Our Heritage,
Eliyahu Kitov
Day of courtship. Gateway to Judaism, Pg.341
Sabbath reading: Ekev, Deut 7:12-11:25
Prophets: Isa 49:14-51:3
Full moon very close to Mars on Tu B’Av
* * *
August 27-28, 2003 - Very Close Approach of Mars: Rising at opposition, in Aquarius, this is the Planet of War's closest approach to earth for the next 2000+ years as it shows off a disk of 25.1 arc seconds diameter. It will shine with a brilliance of magnitude -2.9, which is brighter than Jupiter at opposition.
August 27, 2003 corresponds to:
Wednesday, Av 29, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
Moses returns from after Sinai, a second time, to
plead for mercy after the golden calf - day 40.
G-d commanded Moses saying "Carve out for
yourself two tablets of stone like the first
ones." Exodus 34:1
Sabbath reading:
Shofetim, Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:18-21:9
Prophets:
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 51:12-52:12
These past events suggest that the this is an auspicous time to begin repenting in order to be able to receive the Torah (Torah=Israel=Messiah).
Close approach of Mars
The day after this event. Jews all over the world will begin an intense time of repentance for the next forty days, till Yom HaKippurim, the Day of Atonement. Av 29 is Erev Rosh Chodesh and is significant because the moon is completely hidden - suggesting the hiddenness of the Jewish people who are about to be renewed. This will be a most awesome day!
If Your Excellency is sincere about taking this message to heart, I would suggest the following approach:
Read the following passages VERY carefully at least a week before August 27. Secure some excellent Jewish commentaries on these two passages, like Me'am Loez. Note the world events that take place during this week and compare them, critically, to the two passages:
Shofetim, Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:18-21:9
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 51:12-52:12
Finally, be prepared to repent as you have never repented before. It is not altogether impossible that we should have a great war during Chol HaMoed Succoth. This war will be between Edom (Edom=Rome=Christianity=western nations) and Ishmael (Arabs in general).
* * *
September 9, 2003 corresponds to:
Tuesday, Elul 12, 5763
Events for this day of the year:
Period of teshuvah / repentance day 12.
Moses goes up Mount Sinai, the third time, to
get the second set of stone tablets to spend
forty days - day 12.
Sabbath reading: Ki Tavo, Deut 26:1-29:8
Prophets: Isa 60:1-22
Moon Occults Mars (during datlight)
* * *
October 21, 2003 corresponds to:
Tuesday, Tishri 25, 5764
Events for this day of the year:
I am unaware of any events for this day or the next day.
Sabbath reading: Bereshit, Gen 1:1-6:8
Prophets: Isa 42:5-43:11
Replaced by: Pre-Rosh Hodesh,I Sam 20:18-42
October 21-22
Orionids Meteor Shower. Look east after midnight.
* * *
October 25, 2003 corresponds to:
Saturday, Tishri 29, 5764
Events for this day of the year:
I am unaware of any events for this day.
Sabbath reading: Bereshit, Gen 1:1-6:8
Prophets: Isa 42:5-43:11
Replaced by: Pre-Rosh Hodesh,I Sam 20:18-42
* * *
October 26, 2003 corresponds to:
Sunday, Tishri 30, 5764
Events for this day of the year:
I am unaware of any events for this day.
Sabbath reading: No'ah, Gen 6:9-11:32
Prophets: Isa 54:1-55:5
Moon occults Venus
* * *
Sukkah 29a It was taught: R. Meir said, Whenever the luminaries are in eclipse, it is a bad omen for Israel since they are inured to blows. This may be compared to a school teacher who comes to school with a strap in his hand. Who becomes apprehensive? He who is accustomed to be daily punished. Our Rabbis taught, When the Sun is in eclipse it is a bad omen for idolaters; when the Moon is in eclipse, it is a bad omen for Israel, since Israel reckons by the Moon and idolaters by the Sun. If it is in eclipse in the east, it is a bad omen for those who dwell in the east; if in the west, it is a bad omen for those who dwell in the west; if in the midst of heaven it is bad omen for the whole world. If its face is red as blood, [it is a sign that] the sword is coming to the world; if it is like sack-cloth, the arrows of famine are coming to the world; if it resembles both, the sword and the arrows of famine are coming to the world. If the eclipse is at sunset calamity will tarry in its coming; if at dawn, it hastens on its way: but some say the order is to be reversed. And there is no nation which is smitten that its G-ds are not smitten together with it, as it is said, And against all the G-ds of Egypt I will execute judgments. But when Israel fulfill the will of the Omnipresent, they need have no fear of all these [omens] as it is said, Thus saith HaShem,' Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the nations are dismayed at them, the idolaters will be dismayed, but Israel will not be dismayed.
November 9, 2003 corresponds to:
Sunday, Heshvan 14, 5764
Events for this day of the year:
Noah, his wife, three sons, are in the ark
mourning for Methuselah. Day 4
Genesis 7:4-9
Sabbath reading: Va-Yera, Gen 18:1-22:24
Prophets: II Kings 4:1-37
Total lunar eclipse as viewed from the moon.
* * *
November 23, 2003 corresponds to:
Sunday, Heshvan 28, 5764
Events for this day of the year:
Day 12 of God's rain in Noah's day. Genesis 7:4
Sabbath reading: Toledot, Gen 25:19-28:0
Prophets: Mal 1:1-2:7
November 23, 2003 – Total solar eclipse
* * *
November 24, 2003 corresponds to:
Monday, Heshvan 29, 5764
Events for this day of the year:
Day 13 of God's rain in Noah's day. Genesis 7:4
Sabbath reading: Toledot, Gen 25:19-28:0
Prophets: Mal 1:1-2:7
The only observed collision between a planet and another solar body began on Tisha B'Ab, a Sabbath. Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 began slamming into the surface of the planet Jupiter, known in Hebrew as Zedek, the righteous one. This event may have connections to the other Tisha B'Ab events. Beginning on Shabbat, July 17 (Tisha B'Ab) 1994, the planet Jupiter was struck by 21 fragments of a comet. The comet (Shoemaker-Levy 9) collided with this planet... likely fulfilling Luke 21:26, where Yeshua says that, prior to his return the "heavenly bodies would be shaken." Is all this coincidence? I don't think so. Jupiter was the high-god of Rome, it was the one whose temple replaced HaShem's house in Jerusalem and whose name (Capitolina) adorned the city for centuries. Jupiter (also known as Marduk to Babylonians) was the high god of Zoroastrianism, the religion of Nebudchenezzar (who had the first temple burned in 586b c). See the connection? HaShem had symbolic "revenge" on Rome -and- Babylon through Jupiter (high god of both empires), when the planet was pummeled on this fitting anniversary in 1994.
* * *
(March 3, 2007)
Sukkah 29a It was taught: R. Meir said, Whenever the luminaries are in eclipse, it is a bad omen for Israel since they are inured to blows. This may be compared to a school teacher who comes to school with a strap in his hand. Who becomes apprehensive? He who is accustomed to be daily punished. Our Rabbis taught, When the Sun is in eclipse it is a bad omen for idolaters; when the Moon is in eclipse, it is a bad omen for Israel, since Israel reckons by the Moon and idolaters by the Sun. If it is in eclipse in the east, it is a bad omen for those who dwell in the east; if in the west, it is a bad omen for those who dwell in the west; if in the midst of heaven it is bad omen for the whole world. If its face is red as blood, [it is a sign that] the sword is coming to the world; if it is like sack-cloth, the arrows of famine are coming to the world; if it resembles both, the sword and the arrows of famine are coming to the world. If the eclipse is at sunset calamity will tarry in its coming; if at dawn, it hastens on its way: but some say the order is to be reversed. And there is no nation which is smitten that its G-ds are not smitten together with it, as it is said, And against all the G-ds of Egypt I will execute judgments. But when Israel fulfill the will of the Omnipresent, they need have no fear of all these [omens] as it is said, Thus saith HaShem,' Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the nations are dismayed at them, the idolaters will be dismayed, but Israel will not be dismayed.
(February 21, 2008)
Feb 21, 2008 corresponds to: Thu, Adar 15, 5768
Sabbath reading: Ki Tissa, Ex 30:11-34:35
Prophets: I Kings 18:1-39
Sunset in New York is at: 5:38pm EST
(April 15, 2014)
Apr 15, 2014 corresponds to: Tue, Nisan 15, 5774
Sabbath reading: Pesach 5, Ex 33:12-34:26, Num 28:16-25
Prophets: HH Pesach 5, Ezek 36:37-37:14
Sunset in New York is at: 6:35pm EST
(October 8, 2014)
Oct 8, 2014 corresponds to: Wed, Tishri 14, 5775
Sabbath reading: HH Succoth 3,Ex 33:12-34:26,Num 29:17-22
Prophets: HH Succoth 3, Ezek 38:18-39:16
Sunset in New York is at: 5:27pm EST
(April 4, 2015)
Apr 4, 2015 corresponds to: Sat, Nisan 15, 5775
Sabbath reading: Pesach 1, Ex 12:21-51, Num 28:16-25
Prophets: Pesach 1, Josh 5:2-6:1, 6:27
Sunset in New York is at: 6:24pm EST
(September 28, 2015)
Sep 28, 2015 corresponds to: Mon, Tishri 15, 5776
Sabbath reading: HH Succoth 6,Ex 33:12-34:26,Num 29:26-34
Prophets: HH Succoth 6, Ezek 38:18-39:16
Sunset in New York is at: 5:43pm EST
Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi who numbers among his spiritual ancestors the Spanish Kabbalistic astrologer of the twelfth century, Abraham ibn Ezra, and the Spanish poet of the eleventh century, Solomon ibn Gabirol.
Ibn Gabirol, to whom Halevi’s book on astrology, The Anatomy of Fate, is dedicated, composed the epic poem Keter veMalkhut ("The Crown and the Glory" or "The Royal Crown"). This contains a litany of astrological description just pages before the list of sins for which orthodox Jews ask repentance on the Day of Atonement.
Ending Thoughts
Although neglected, the science of Judaic Astrology is deeply rooted in Judaism. Specifically, it roots from the Kabbalah (inner and spiritual, portion of the Bible). The Sefer Yetzira (the Book of Formation), written by Abraham the Patriarch, is where all the Wisdom of Judaic Astrology stems from.
It is our past actions from previous lifetimes that allow man to be susceptible to either the bad or good influences of these astrological objects. Nothing is by chance! Everything had a cause and an effect. Although astrological objects impel Man, they don't compel him. Man has, had and will always have freedom of choice.
Reference List
The Anatomy of Fate by Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi, Arkana.
Psychology and Kabbalah by Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi, Gateway Books.
Kabbalah: Tradition of Hidden Knowledge by Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi, Thames and Hudson
A Kabbalistic Universe by Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi, Samuel Weiser Inc.
The Beginning of Wisdom by Abraham ibn Ezra, English Translation edited by Raphael Levy and Francisco Cantera.
Sepharial
"The Book of The Fundamentals of the Tables" Ibn-Ezra
Ibn Ezra, Abraham The Book of Reasons translated M.B.Epstein - The Golden Hind Press 1994. Available through Project Hindsight.
Ibn Ezra, A. (before 1164) Sefer ha-Yesodot (Book of Foundations), (An important study of Ibn Ezra’s astrological theories.)
Symbols in the Mishkan in R. Avraham Ibn Ezra's commentary, Sinai, 112, 1993, p. 250-262. (Heb)
Masha-Allah also wrote a book on Lunar and Solar Eclipses, that was later translated into Hebrew by Abraham Ibn Ezra ("Sefer be kadrut ha levana ve ha shemesh"")
The astrological foundation book, Ibn Ezra, trad,: J. Halbronn-Bibl. Hermetica/Retz-Paris, 1977,
* * *
Conjunction: The position of two celestial bodies on the celestial sphere when they have the same celestial longitude.
* * *
Astrology / Mazal
Verses in Tanach
Ibn Ezra Shemot 6:3, 20:1, 33:21
Talmud / Midrash and commentaries
Bava Metzia 75
Moed Katan 28a
Nedarim 32a
Sanhedrin 75b
Shabbat 156a-b
Meiri Moed Katan 28a "Le'Olam Yeharher"
Tosafot Berachot 55b s.v. Potrei
Tosafot Kiddushin 82a s.v. Ela
Tosafot Moed Katan 28a s.v. Ela
Tosafot Shabbat 156a s.v. Ein
Tosafot Yevamot 50a s.v. Mosifin
Post Talmud / Midrash, Pre-Rishonim
Mishneh Torah and commentaries
Hilchot Yesodei haTorah 10:3
Rishonim [Pre-"Code of Jewish Law"]
Radvaz 2:716
Rashba 1:19, 1:148, 1:409, 1:652, 5:48
Tashbetz 2:1
Zichron Yehudah 91
Tur, Shulchan Aruch ["Code of Jewish Law"] and Commentaries
Acharonim [Post-"Code of Jewish Law"]
Chatam Sofer 1:Orach Chaim 160
Maharsham 4:70
* * *
The conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn every 19.8 years which Abu 'Mashar, Masha 'Allah, Ibn Ezra and others (Circa 780 AD - 1167 AD) in the medieval Arabic era used to forecast societal changes.
The next conjunction will be in 2020 in an air sign and the cycle continues in air signs exclusively for the next 180 years; possibly meaning the end of this threat to American presidents.
As an interesting aside, there is a prophesy spoken by Yeshua; "When the Sun grows dark, and the Moon does not give her light and the stars are falling from the sky, then you shall know that the return of the son of man is imminent". Careful readers will notice that the first 2 conditions hint at a solar eclipse, then one must look for a meteor shower during a solar eclipse. It just so happens that this is the case on August 11, 1999 during the most famous Perseid meteor shower (Which is coincidentally the date of the heliacial rising of Sirius - Egyptians used this to forecast the year and used it to time the flooding of the Nile). The only problem is that this configuration of planets happens every 19 years and is part of the Metonic cycle.
* * *
The Jewish year 5763 begins on Saturday, September 7, 2002.
It is year 6 of the 19 year cycle, therefore it is a leap year.
The type of year is: "Full-Leap".
Month Length First-of-Month H O L I D A Y S
================================= ========================================
Tishri 30 Sat, Sep 7, 2002 Rosh Hashanah Tish 1, Sat, Sep 7, 2002
Heshvan 30 Mon, Oct 7, 2002 Yom Kippur Tish 10, Mon, Sep 16, 2002
Kislev 30 Wed, Nov 6, 2002 Succoth Tish 15, Sat, Sep 21, 2002
Tevet 29 Fri, Dec 6, 2002 Sh'mini Atz Tish 22, Sat, Sep 28, 2002
Shevat 30 Sat, Jan 4, 2003 Simchat Torah Tish 23, Sun, Sep 29, 2002
Adar 30 Mon, Feb 3, 2003 Hanukkah Kis 25, Sat, Nov 30, 2002
AdarII 29 Wed, Mar 5, 2003 Tu B'Shevat Shev 15, Sat, Jan 18, 2003
Nisan 30 Thu, Apr 3, 2003 Purim Adar II 14, Tue, Mar 18, 2003
Iyar 29 Sat, May 3, 2003 Passover Nis 15, Thu, Apr 17, 2003
Sivan 30 Sun, Jun 1, 2003 Yom Hashoah Nis 27, Tue, Apr 29, 2003
Tammuz 29 Tue, Jul 1, 2003 Yom Haatzmaut Iyar 5, Wed, May 7, 2003
Av 30 Wed, Jul 30, 2003 Lag B'Omer Iyar 18, Tue, May 20, 2003
Elul 29 Fri, Aug 29, 2003 Shavuot Siv 6, Fri, Jun 6, 2003
Tisha B'Av Av 9, Thu, Aug 7, 2003
Erev RoshHash Elul 29, Fri, Sep 26, 2003
The Jewish year 5764 begins on Saturday, September 27, 2003.
It is year 7 of the 19 year cycle, therefore it is not a leap year.
The type of year is: "Full".
Month Length First-of-Month H O L I D A Y S
================================= ========================================
Tishri 30 Sat, Sep 27, 2003 Rosh Hashanah Tish 1, Sat, Sep 27, 2003
Heshvan 30 Mon, Oct 27, 2003 Yom Kippur Tish 10, Mon, Oct 6, 2003
Kislev 30 Wed, Nov 26, 2003 Succoth Tish 15, Sat, Oct 11, 2003
Tevet 29 Fri, Dec 26, 2003 Sh'mini Atz Tish 22, Sat, Oct 18, 2003
Shevat 30 Sat, Jan 24, 2004 Simchat Torah Tish 23, Sun, Oct 19, 2003
Adar 29 Mon, Feb 23, 2004 Hanukkah Kis 25, Sat, Dec 20, 2003
Nisan 30 Tue, Mar 23, 2004 Tu B'Shevat Shev 15, Sat, Feb 7, 2004
Iyar 29 Thu, Apr 22, 2004 Purim Adar 14, Sun, Mar 7, 2004
Sivan 30 Fri, May 21, 2004 Passover Nis 15, Tue, Apr 6, 2004
Tammuz 29 Sun, Jun 20, 2004 Yom Hashoah Nis 27, Sun, Apr 18, 2004
Av 30 Mon, Jul 19, 2004 Yom Haatzmaut Iyar 5, Mon, Apr 26, 2004
Elul 29 Wed, Aug 18, 2004 Lag B'Omer Iyar 18, Sun, May 9, 2004
Shavuot Siv 6, Wed, May 26, 2004
Tisha B'Av Av 9, Tue, Jul 27, 2004
Erev RoshHash Elul 29, Wed, Sep 15, 2004
This study was written by
Rabbi Dr. Hillel ben David
(Greg Killian).
Comments may be submitted to:
Rabbi Dr. Greg Killian
12210 Luckey Summit
San Antonio, TX 78252
Internet address: gkilli@aol.com
Web page: http://www.betemunah.org/
(360) 918-2905
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