THE SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC ON SYNAGOGUE WINDOWS

QUESTION:

Is it proper to have the twelve signs of the zodiac on the stained-glass windows of our temple? The status of the twelve symbols in Jewish tradition is somewhat vague, and so there could be arguments for or against their use. What we need, therefore, is the preponderance of attitude or opinion on whether to use them or not. (Asked by Rabbi Albert A. Michels, Sun City, Arizona.)

ANSWER:

FIRST OF all, the argument against their use: One motive for putting the signs of the zodiac on the windows might be for the purpose (even incidentally for the purpose) of holding the interest of those people nowadays who believe in astrology. If this is the motive, then it is absolutely against Jewish tradition. The objection to astrology stems from the verse in Jeremiah 10:2: “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.” On this verse the Talmud in Shabbat 156a says: No constellation governs the life of Israel (eyn mazol l’ Yis-roel). In other words, all the astrology which was so elaborately developed by the Babylonians is forbidden to us.

However, if the intention and the effect is not to encourage the belief in astrology, then much can be said in favor of having the signs of the zodiac on the windows. The signs of the zodiac are taken to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. Furthermore, each of the signs is given a religious significance in the Midrashic literature. Thus Aries the lamb is the pure sacrifice of Isaac, etc. (see the article “Zodiac” in the Jewish Encyclopedia and in the new Encyclopaedia Judaica).

There is also a more direct reason for permitting the use of these signs on the windows. In the older Halachah, most of the objection against decorations on synagogue walls and in prayerbooks was based upon the fear that they would distract the people from their prayers (see the reference in Modern Reform Responsa, pp. 185 ff.). But the signs of the zodiac were actually printed in all the holiday prayerbooks for the rain and dew prayers on Succos and Passover. If, therefore, the signs of the zodiac were printed in the prayerbook for the people to look at when they pray, then surely it was deemed even praiseworthy to have them.

Our answer, therefore, must be on balance. If you believe that the effect of the pictures of the signs of the zodiac will encourage interest in astrology, then it is wrong to have them. But if there is no such concern or danger, then there is plenty of tradition in favor of having them.