CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
130. A Tarot Reader as a Convert
QUESTION:A prospective convert has indicated that she reads Tarot cards approximately once a month. Although in the past she has done so for a fee she is now doing it only for her friends at no charge. She feels that the information which she receives is from God and that she is thus privileged to be the channel for God. She has indicated that this is a new small part of her life. In every other respect she seems to be a fine candidate for conversion; shall we accept her as a convert? (Rabbi Stephen J. Einstein, Fountain Valley CA)
ANSWER: Jewish opposition to all kinds of fortune telling has been very strong. It is based upon verses in Leviticus and Deuteronomy (Lev 19.26, 31; Deut 18.10,11; as well as Ex 22.17). The prohibition includes soothsayers and fortune tellers of all kinds. There are numerous discussions in the Talmud (Hul 7b; 95b Ber 33b; Shab 75a; San 65a ff; Pes 113b; Ned 32a; etc). The matter has also been treated in the various books of mitzvot, for example, Sefer Hamitzvot (Lo Taaseh 8,9,31,38), as well as by Maimonides’ Code (Yad Hil Akum Vehuqotehem 11.14 ff) and the Shulhan Arukh (Yoreh Deah 179). Some modern discussions have been equally negative (Responsa Daat Kohen).We have sought to avoid superstitious influences and to keep our monotheism free from strange practices.
As this candidate for conversion feels that she has direct access to God through her Tarot cards, her concept of God is different from that of normative Judaism and the influences which she feels cannot be incorporated in a Jewish life.
This prospective convert should be encouraged to look at her ties to the Tarot card reading once more. As this has become a minor part of her life, it may be possible for her to give this up entirely. If she can do so, then we can accept her as a convert. If not, we should reject her at this time.
April 1988
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