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Do Jews Believe in Good Luck?

Letters and Numbers of Torah—Vayeitzei

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Do Jews Believe in Good Luck?: Letters and Numbers of Torah—Vayeitzei

Jacob’s seventh son is Gad, a name that means “good luck” (Genesis 30:11). But do Jews really believe in luck?

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Topics:	Astrology, Parshah, Gad, Mazal Tov, Vayeitzei

Aaron L. Raskin

Rabbi Aaron L. Raskin is the official Chabad emissary to downtown Brooklyn, rabbi of Congregation B’nai Avraham in Brooklyn Heights, New York and Dean of Brooklyn Heights Jewish Academy. He is the author of the books, “Thank You God for Making Me a Woman", "Letters of Light", "By Divine Design", and "Guardian of Israel", and the co-author of "The Rabbi & The CEO".

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16 Comments

Leah Forrest Los Angeles June 23, 2022

Yasher Koach, Rabbi Raskin. Thank you for this invaluable lesson. May you go from strength to strength. Reply

Marcus Gundlach Esslingen am Neckar, Germany November 24, 2017

I don´t believe in Luck - but I can´t resist in giving up my right to happiness! Lucky is not a value, it is the result of harmony in special moment of life; so you can´t have it all the time ... to believe for me, is a connention to G-d and this is a relation to haSchem who last forever! Reply

Anonymous New Jersey May 11, 2016

Beautiful explanation Thank you for your beautiful explanation of Mazel.
May this truly be the time of the ushering in of Moshiach. Reply

John Philadelphia December 2, 2014

My grandmother told me as it was the last time I would see her alive that her family came to the United States to avoid persecution. For my life, I was told she was Polish, then she told me that day they were Russian Jews. I have never practiced the Jewish faith but listened to your entire teachings. I would like to learn more and am drawn to this faith.
I don't know what to make of it as I was somewhat raised a Catholic. Any understanding or help is appreciated. Thank you very much. Reply

Dr Hirsch Baltimore August 5, 2021

in response to John:

Were you able to follow your heart and learn more since your post? Reply

Rabbi Raskin Bklyn hts August 6, 2021

in response to John:

If you have any more questions, you can email directly at [email protected] Reply

Michael H Cleveland August 29, 2014

What about the Farmer? He was ask to give up his earned place, Did he loose his place? Or will the Mercy of G-D sustain him to since he obviously feared G-D?

Did those who asked him even care about him as they did their own community?

Also will the those who asked him to "give up" rather then "share" his place be open for future judgement since that could have been an option? Reply

Michael Ben Tzvi Buenos Aires August 10, 2014

The last generation? How do you know this is the last generation before the coming of Mashiach? He should come before the year 6,000 (Hebrew calendar), so it may pass 200 years until he finally arrives. Reply

Andre Ranulfo Rio de Janeiro November 10, 2013

Mazal Tov! I'm a big fan of the Rabbi! Always watch his shiurim. He explains so well, so didactic and straight to the point. Reply

Krista Lussier Phoenix November 5, 2013

Thank you Thank you for sharing your teachings. It is an important reminder to all Jews. Reply

Anonymous NY November 5, 2013

Mazel tov! Do you have to believe in it, for Gd to favor you? Reply

gogu Romania October 27, 2013

Thanks Good to hear! I don't know if I am capable of doing this. But, if this is the road, I must step on it Reply

Irene Glen Burnie, MD USA November 25, 2012

Do Jews believe in good luck Thank you for sharing this teaching. All your teachings are an inspiration and enlightening of knowledge and wisdom that G-d has blessed you with. Reply

Michal Treister COLORADO November 25, 2012

Absolutely Inspirational This Awesome Shiur was eye opening and transendent. From a mental state of nothingness I pondered on this shiur. Yasher Koach Rabbi Raskin. DAGADIT!!!! Reply

Anonymous Lahore November 22, 2012

Great Good to hear. Welcoming Moshiach Reply

Borys Poland November 19, 2012

Mother tov Rebbe! we do not choose our mothers - the G-d does. Reply

Letters and Numbers of Torah

Rabbi Raskin looks at the hidden meanings of the sizes and numerical values (gematria) of the Hebrew letters in the weekly Torah portion.

Do Jews Believe in Good Luck?: Letters and Numbers of Torah—Vayeitzei

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