For most Jews, the entirety of Jewish belief about astrology is based on a single line in the Talmud: ein mazal l’Yisrael — there is no astrological sign for the People of Israel.

It’s not real, we’ve been taught, and it’s not meant for Jews to engage with. But Lorelai Kude begs to differ — and she says the weight of historical evidence is on her side.

Indeed, her master’s thesis is titled “Yesh Mazal L’Yisrael” — there is an astrological sign for the People of Israel.

Kude, 63, is a professional astrologer. 

“We have a long history with the stars and seasons,” she said, referencing Genesis 1, numerous Psalms and pieces of the daily liturgy, such as Yotzer Or, which praises God as creator of light and heavenly bodies.

In Numbers, there is a description of the Israelites’ encampment as they wandered through the desert. The 12 tribes were arranged in a circle radiating out from the Mishkan, laid out in the order of the zodiac signs with which each tribe is associated.

On the same page as “ein mazal l’Yisrael” (Shabbat 156a) there is a story in which Abraham wonders if the planet Jupiter (Tzedek, as it is known in the Talmud) is the reason he and Sarah are infertile.

Also on that page: “He who is born under the sun will be a distinguished man… he who is born under Venus will be wealthy and unchaste,” and so forth. Talmudic horoscopes!

“The rabbis of the Talmud studied and taught astrology,” said Kude, who also acknowledged that they had a certain ambivalence toward it. At times, they seem to forbid astrology, while at other times making proclamations such as this nugget from Shabbat 57a: “He who knows how to calculate the cycles and planetary courses but does not, disregards the work of God… One who knows how to calculate astrological seasons and constellations and does not do so, one may not speak with him.”

“My contention is that there is so much astrology in Jewish culture,” Kude said. “Surviving material evidence — writing, art, calendars, Torah crowns, built into synagogue architecture — points to that.”

Kude spoke of a collection of 150 swaddling bands, which babies were wrapped in for their bris, at the Magnes Collection in Berkeley. Each has the baby’s astrological sign on it. “If astrology is so asur [forbidden], why did the frummest of the frum [pious] swaddle their babies in it?”

Even today, she said, Orthodox people are interested in astrology. “I have many clients in the haredi world who want to know more about their mazal — but they’d never tell anyone.”

Here is your Astrolojew Horoscopes 

CHODESH AV 5781 (10 JULY – 7 AUGUST 2021)

AV 5781: DESTROYING HYPOCRACY, CREATING HARMONY

The Sun-ruled month of Av has both the hardest and happiest days of the Jewish Year. Though we mourn the destruction of both Temples on Tisha b’Av, we know the potential for miraculous redemption, as it is said that Moshiach is born on this day. While Tu b’Av focus on the personal happiness of couplehood, we’re really commemorating the communal unification of the 12 Tribes at the Full Moon in Aquarius, the sign of the Jewish people. The secret of Chodesh Av is to radically accentuate the positive, especially during difficult circumstances.

The conjunction of Venus/Noga and Mars/Ma’adim in Leo on July 13 is the big romantic opportunity this month, if by “romance” we mean drama, theatrics, passion, and a lot of scenery-chewing. Retrograde Chiron, the Wounded Healer, and the Sun trine Neptune/Rahav July 15 allow healing vulnerability to be expressed in safe ways. Sun opposite Pluto at First Quarter Moon in Libra on Erev Tisha b’Av demands that abuses of power be exposed and answered. Whether or not individuals are personally responsible, all who have benefitted from these power imbalances are communally culpable. The Full Moon in Aquarius of Tisha b’Av, preceded by the opposition of Venus to Jupiter/Tzedek and followed by Mercury/Kochav’s opposition to Pluto, makes July 22-25 the most volatile time of the month. The wrong words once spoken can never be unsaid, and apologies will mean nothing to destroyed dreams and crushed spirits. Extreme caution should be taken to speak the truth with loving compassion and empathy for everyone involved, especially around the opposition of Mars to Jupiter July 29, and the opposition of Sun and Mercury to Saturn/Shabbtai August 1-2.

Chodesh Av is powerful to both create and destroy. Let us aim to destroy hypocrisy and create harmony, as individuals and as a holy community.

ARIES / TALEH

Mars / Ma’adim in fiery Leo through July 28 makes most of Chodesh Av potentially incendiary if approached without a conscious decision to seek peace and pursue it. Tribal leader Yehuda overcame his emotional reactions by seeking G*d’s wisdom, not his own. First Quarter Moon in Libra with the Sun opposite Pluto July 17 gives you the same opportunity to choose wisely in relation to power dynamics and righteous use of relationships. Mars opposes Jupiter/Tzedek July 29, and a few hours later, enters calm, cool Virgo. Use your tremendous energy to serve and defend those more vulnerable than yourself.

TAURUS / SHOR

Venus/Noga and Mars/Ma’adim conjunct in theatrical Leo July 13, potentially relationship dramas, designed to reach the desired goal of kissing, and making up. Venus enters analytical Virgo and opposes Jupiter/Tzedek July 21-22, enhancing the power of mind games which you dislike, and don’t want to play. Last Quarter Moon in Taurus July 31 desires stability; disorder and lack of harmony disturbs you, and by the trine of Venus to Uranus/Oron August 3 you’re ready to issue ultimatums around the perceived threat of potential chaos. Your partner is not the problem: it’s the uncertainty and fear of change for you.

GEMINI / T’OMIM

Mercury/Kochav in emotional Cancer through July 26 filters every thought though the lens of your feelings. Express vulnerability without wounding others July 19; surprise yourself and everyone else with increased sensitivity and powerful empathy July 24-25. Mercury enters proud, passionate Leo July 27, tempting you to roar rather than whisper – but avoid the urge to deluge opposition with details August 1 when the Sun conjuncts Mercury and both oppose Saturn/Shabbtai. Empathy and wise, healing words are your most powerful weapons August 2 at Mercury’s trine to Chiron. Drowning perceived foes in data is less effective than seeking mutual understanding.

CANCER / SARTAN

The New Moon in Cancer July 9, Erev Rosh Chodesh Av, puts feelings first during this passionately intense month. First Quarter Moon in Libra with the Sun opposite Pluto July 17 reveals power imbalances in the realm of home and family. Full Moon in Aquarius July 23 begins Tu b’Av, a time of reconciliation and renewal of previously disrupted intimacy. Your physical health is closely tied to your emotional well-being. Take care of both as nobody else will be taking care of these for you. Last Quarter Moon in Taurus July 31 confirms the healing power of important friendships.

LEO / ARYEH

You’ve been frustrated this past year by a sense of powerlessness against the greater Zeitgeist over which you have neither control nor influence. In many ways you’ve had to become smaller to be at your most effective. Sun opposite Pluto at First Quarter Moon in Libra July 17 tests your relationship to personal power. Balancing your tremendous will against the needs of others is more than a high wire act – it’s a demonstration of hard-won maturity and self-control you’ve (perhaps unwillingly) cultivated over this past year. Sun conjunct Mercury/Kochav and opposite Saturn/Shabbtai August 1-2 empowers and strengthens your authority.

VIRGO / BETULAH

Mercury/Kochav trine Jupiter/Tzedek July 12, allowing more imaginative dreamtime. You need this now, as choices loom which require access to your deepest desires, not simply your daily to-do list. Mercury square Chiron and sextile Uranus/Oron July 19-20, perhaps triggering fight-or-flight mode around continued dutiful diligence towards something you’re just not that interested in anymore. Tribal leader Gad knew his orderly array of troops intimidated enemies – your orderly array of responsibilities, achievements, and obligations intimidate those who would put additional burdens on your time without offering compensatory redress. Stand in your personal power July 25 at Mercury’s opposition to Pluto.

LIBRA / MOZNAYIM

Venus/Noga and Mars/Ma’adim conjunct in passionate Leo July 13. Someone relegated to the “friend zone” may be revealed as prime relationship material. First Quarter Moon in Libra with the Sun opposite Pluto July 17 summons your inner warrior. Though you prefer harmony, you’re willing to rock the boat for the sake of righteousness. What’s fair is fair, but what’s right is also fair. Venus in analytic Virgo from July 21 wants a full accounting of every possible contingency; you can’t control everything, and you’ll need to demonstrate trust when Venus trines Uranus/Oron August 3, shaking up the status quo.

SCORPIO / AKRAV

Though passions flare when Venus/Noga conjuncts Mars/Ma’adim July 13, the real fireworks happen at the Sun’s opposition to Pluto July 17, square First Quarter Moon in partnership-oriented Libra. You’re called on to share not only intimacy, but power and control as well. This is only possible if you’ve done the work cultivating trust. Full Moon in Aquarius July 23 illuminates your family of origin patterns carried over into the relationship realm. Is your Inner Child being properly nurtured and cared for? Answers come when Mars opposes Jupiter/Tzedek before entering Virgo, at the Last Quarter Moon in Taurus July 29-31.

SAGITTARIUS / KESHET

Mercury/Kochav trines Jupiter/Tzedek July 12, opening a fountain of creativity you’ve longed for over these many responsibility-filled months. Venus/Noga opposite Jupiter July 22, right before Full Moon in Aquarius on Tu b’Av reminds you that your friends are valuable assets, and not to take them for granted. Retrograde Jupiter journeys back into Aquarius July 28 until he returns to Pisces at the end of 2021, giving another shot at supersizing your interpersonal communicative skills and firming up your authoritative position in your community. Mars/Ma’adim opposite Jupiter July 29 empowers you to aim your arrow at The Next Big Thing.

CAPRICORN / GIDI

If you’ve been feeling somewhat taciturn and a little disconnected from those around you, the Sun and Mercury/Kochav opposite Saturn/Shabbtai August 1-2 will change all that very quickly. There’s a great gap between your desire for personal privacy and your need for emotional intimacy, and this is the chance to cross that chasm in a way that feels safe. Recognizing who is part of your inner circle goes beyond whether they’re useful. The Sun’s trine to Chiron August 4 with Moon in Cancer triggers vulnerable feelings; expose your tender insides only to those who have already earned your trust.

AQUARIUS / D’LI

Mercury/Kochav sextile Uranus/Oron July 20 for surprising revelations, leading up to the Full Moon in Aquarius July 23. Your generosity is always extended towards “the little people”, now you have insight and compassion towards “the big shots” as well. One of the startling surprises Chodesh Av brings your way is the revelation of respect that the staid and status-quo loving authority figures have for you. Don’t toss the baby out with the bathwater! Retrograde Jupiter re-enters Aquarius, where he’ll spend the rest of 2021 enlarging your personality and presence. Venus/Noga trine Uranus August 3: romantic surprises are in store!

PISCES / DAGIM

Sun trine Neptune/Rahav at Chiron’s retrograde August 15, giving you tremendous insight and compassion into the suffering of others. Though you personally may have played no part in that suffering, your feelings of responsibility as part of the greater society are stunningly articulated July 14-15 at Mercury/Kochav’s trine to Neptune and opposition to Pluto. As Tribal leader Naftali ran to retrieve the deed to the Cave of Machpelah, you’ll run miles out of your way just to prove the righteousness of your position. Strong allies bolster your claims at the Sun’s square to Uranus August 6. Stand your ground!