It was recorded in R. Joshua b.
Levi's notebook: He who [is born] on the first day of the week [Sunday] shall
be a man without one [thing] in him — What does 'without one [thing] in him'
mean? . . . it means either completely virtuous or completely wicked.[What is
the reason? Because light and darkness were created on that day.]
He who is born on the second day of
the week will be bad-tempered — What is the reason? Because the waters were
divided thereon.
He who is born on the third day of
the week will be wealthy and unchaste. What is the reason? Because herbs were
created thereon.
He who is born on the fourth day of
the week will be wise and of a retentive memory. What is the reason? Because the luminaries
were suspended [thereon]
He who is born on the fifth day of
the week will practice benevolence. What is the reason? Because the fishes and
birds were created thereon.
He who is born on the eve of the
Sabbath will be a seeker. R. Nahman b. Isaac commented: A seeker after good
deeds.
He who is born on the Sabbath will
die on the Sabbath, because the great day of the Sabbath was desecrated on his
account. Raba son of R. Shila observed: And he shall be called a great and holy
man.
Even after more examination of astrological convention, the
rabbis go on to declare that “Israel is immune from planetary influence.” How
do we know?
Thus saith the Lord, Learn not
the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the
nations are dismayed at them: (Jer. 10:2)
They are dismayed but not Israel.
Astrology is for "them" - not "us". Which is not to say that the Talmudic rabbis disavowed Astrology is worthless - but that they believed that they had a secret weapon to counter it.
There follows a series of stories about Israelites who
survived events even when astrologers predicted they would die. Upon
investigation it was found that they had recently performed an unusual act of
kindness. Thus prompting the reading from Proverbs 10:2 regarding tzedakah:
but
righteousness delivereth from death.
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