Mourning for Tammuz? The Three weeks and the 9th of AV.

Rabbinic Holy Days and the Observance of Times (Astrology):

In the world of astrology the position of the stars and constellations on certain dates are connected to good and bad karma. Though a widely accepted practice throughout the world, the Bible forbids this approach which is the basis of astrology. Is it possible that the attention to special worship, mourning, abstaining, finding a mate, etc. on days that coincide with pagan holy days is actually observing that forbidden custom? Let us look a little closer.

Why was it necessary to gather and compile several historical happenings that happened around the same time of year to confirm the observance of the 17th of Tammuz, the following three weeks, the 9th and the 15th of Av (Tu Bishvat)? What is there about the low time that occurs during these 3 weeks?

This time of mourning in Jewish tradition, though basically unknown today, corresponds to the ancient death customs of the Babylonians for Tammuz (a fertility god) condemned by the Creator through the prophet Ezekiel (8:6-15).1

See my last article here.2

Tisha b’Av: The Day God Cursed, The Day Jews Cry…”Starting at sundown …is the Jewish fast day of Tisha B’Av (the name literally means the 9th of the Jewish month of Av). Since the time of Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, through modern times, horrible things have happened to the Jewish people on or around the 9th day of Av.” lidblog.com3

During the 3 weeks prior the the fast of the 9th of Av (5th Jewish month) — the day of mourning for the destruction of Herod’s Temple (CE 70) and the claimed destruction of Solomon’s Temple, abstinence from several things is required of Orthodox Jews:

Chabad in reference to the three weeks: “During this period, we lessen the extent of our rejoicing. We don’t: Conduct weddings. Play musical instruments or listen to music. Recite the Shehecheyanu blessing. Thus, we do not wear new clothing or eat fruit which we have not yet eaten this season so that we will not be required to recite Shehecheyanu. Take a haircut or shave…”4

The following is a list of events that purportedly took place on the 9th of Av: (perhaps a good fact checking is needed.)

  • The evil report of 10 of 12 spies is claimed to have taken place on the 9th of Av 1313 BCE and as a result the Israelites wandered 40 years. (Now try to make this add up for the 9th of AV using Numbers where the story is told. Start with chapter 10 and add all the details until chapter 14, I count no earlier than the 12th day of the 5th month–12th of AV).
  • Solomon’s Temple, claimed to be destroyed 9th of Av 587 BC after which Judah was exiled to Babylon for 70 years. But if we take the Bible as a credible source, we find: “The Book of Jeremiah (39:2, 52:6–7) states that the walls of Jerusalem during the First Temple were breached on the 9th of Tammuz. “the Babylonian Talmud dates the third tragedy (breach of Jerusalem’s walls) to the Second Temple period. However, the Jerusalem Talmud (Taanit IV, 5) states that in both eras the walls were breached on 17th Tammuz, and that the text in Jeremiah 39 is explained by stating that the Biblical record was “distorted”, apparently due to the troubled times.5” So what source do we believe? Is there an apparent agenda to make it fit the picture? Is it possible that the 9th was chosen to commemorate several Jewish disasters over the millennia? But is there something about that date that ties to anything that might have been believed by the nations at that time?
  • What about the second temple? According to the Jewish Virtual Library:6 “The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 C.E, on the 10th of Av, according to the historian Josephus (Wars, 6:249–50). This day is still observed as a day of mourning by the Karaites. The Talmud (Ta’an. 29a), however, gives the date as the 9th of Av, which became accepted as the anniversary of both destructions.” Why move the day? Josephus says one thing and the Talmud says another? Why?
  • Defeat at the Kochba Rebellion 9th of Av 133 CE when the Jewish rebellion was finally put down, some 100,000 to 500,000 died. Since the dates for this revolt stretch CE 132 to CE 136, it is difficult to find a particular day when it ended. According to the Jewish Encyclopedia:7 “the actual struggle for Bethar; after the fall of that city, which, according to the tradition, took place on the Ninth of Ab, 135.” Again we see the hand of tradition playing a role. Again, why was it so important to attach this event to the 9th of AV?
  • Herod’s Temple destroyed 9th of Av 70 CE when the final dispersion of the Jews began on a global scale for the next 2000 years.
  • Jews expelled from England 18 July 1290 CE, claimed to be 9th of Av 1290 CE. Jews lose land & property and are forced into exile. (According to the Hebrew Date Converter, the actual day may be the 2nd of AV, However, owing to the change of the calendar in by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 which corrected the Calendar by 10 days, it is difficult to know the actual date other than to follow rabbinic sources.
  • Jews expelled from Spain 9th of Av 1492 CE lose land & property, forced exile, Columbus sails next day. 26th of Tamuz according to Hebrew Calendar Converter. Adjusts up to 10 days (even adding 10 days, it does not come to the 9th of Av)
  • Jews expelled from France 9th of Av 1306 CE when they were also forced into exile. July 22, 1306 converts to 2 Av 5066 (In this case the Gregorian Calendar adjustment of up to 10 days could fit).
  • Jews expelled from Germany 9th of Av 1933 CE forced exile, Jewish Holocaust – 6 million Jews killed (The restrictions and expulsion of Jews in Germany started April 8,1933 and over the years during the Holocaust continued, nothing of great import happened on the 9th of Av).
  • Kristalnacht, often stated as having occurred the 9th of Av actually took place on November 9-10,1938.
  • Jews expelled from Gaza Strip 9th of Av 2005 CE forced exile from land (The Jewish settlers were driven out of Gaza by their own government during the period of August 2005-September 2005). This can hardly be blamed on the persecution of the nations if indeed it was an act of self sabotage!

“…What do you make of all this? Jews see this as another confirmation of the deeply held conviction that history isn’t haphazard; events – even terrible ones – are part of a Divine plan and have spiritual meaning. The message of time is that everything has a rational purpose, even though we don’t understand it.” From Chabad in reference to the ninth of AV.8

Jewish Virtual Library:9 “The Talmud justifies the 9th of Av as the major day of mourning because a series of calamities occurred on this day throughout Jewish history. The Mishnah (Ta’an. 4:6) enumerates five disasters: (1) on the 9th of Av it was decreed that the Children of Israel, after the Exodus from Egypt, should not enter the Promised Land; (2) the First and (3) the Second Temples were destroyed; (4) Bethar, the last stronghold of the leaders of the *Bar Kokhba war, was captured in 135 C.E.; and (5) one year later, in 136, the Roman emperor Hadrian established a heathen temple on the site of the Temple and rebuilt Jerusalem as a pagan city which was renamed Aelia Capitolina and which the Jews were forbidden to enter.

The expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 is said also to have occurred on the 9th of Av.

The 9th of Av thus became a symbol for all the persecutions and misfortunes of the Jewish people, for the loss of national independence and the sufferings in exile. The massacres of whole communities during the Crusades intensified this association.”

We see that at least some of the events that are claimed for the 9th of AV are not correctly dated. Why the effort to accumulate tragedies to fit a certain day? Does this have anything to do with the belief in Astrological dates (times of high and low energy related to the lining up of the constellations in the universe) a soul choosing to be born at that time with all the related challenges and tendencies from which one can elevate himself through the use of the methods of rectification suggested in the Kabbalah?

Is it possible that the real reason the temple was destroyed was because of idolatrous practices including the use of Astrology which had so permeated the thinking of the Jewish people that they did not know what they were observing nor whom they were worshiping?

From Jothishi:10 “According to the Jewish views on astrology, the Rabbis of the Second Temple taught that astrology does not apply to Jewish People. This doctrine is based on spiritual law. This law states that each person chooses the most appropriate time and place of birth so that they can achieve their Tikune (Correction) in this lifetime. The astrological influences affect each and every human being and help them to attain situations and conditions that can be used to achieve his or her Tikune. But when astrological judgments are pessimistic and are not supportive of our potentials, then you can use the Kabbalistic tool called Restriction and rise above the influence of these Astrological influences.

Judaism claims that by rising above the Astrological influence you can challenge your constellations and you have the ability to change the movie of your Life’s Karma.”

If this is true, is there not a heavenly voice telling us to leave these things and come away and cleanse ourselves from all of this idolatry which has even the names of those idols mentioned on the traditional Jewish calendar and in our prayer services? Whom are we worshiping and how did we get mixed up in defining our life’s agenda by astrological times?

Regardless of historical world events that appear to have happened at a certain time that may coincide with the pagan dates of Astrology, we are called to recognize Hashem’s Holy days and these days were established from time immemorial. When we look at traditional designated “holy” days, we must ask ourselves why we do what we do, especially when these happen to fall on days that coincide with ancient pagan observance, or rituals of remembering the dead! The Bible has a lot to say about Hashem’s Holy Days:

Leviticus 23:2, 4:

Speak to the children of Yisra᾽el, and say to them, The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy gatherings, these are My feasts. (That chapter defines those feasts).

These are the feasts of the Lord, holy gatherings, which you shall proclaim in their seasons.”

What about the command that we not observe times (astrology)? The practice of remembering historic events and commemorating them, especially during times of pagan observance, be something that is outside the boundaries of what Hashem commanded? Would making a day have a certain good or bad karma such as TU B’AV (a day when special powers for romance are available) actually be observance of times? Am I taking this too far afield? Perhaps a close look at ancient practices and how they came to be attached to our religious observance would be in order.

Many customs have come from a long tradition in Judaism—Astrology, which Hashem strictly forbade is much in use. Though most deny it, communication with holy rabbis long since passed from this life is a practice among many observant Jews.

And back to the first statement about 17th of Tammuz and the 3 weeks period following up until the 9th of AV—why do they fall during the exact time of the ancient pagan festival, mourning the death of Tammuz? (And why do we keep calling the month by that name?) There is clearly an influence that led Israel to adopt this time of mourning and compile its own events to make it of import to the Jewish people!

Deuteronomy 18:10;14: “For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.”

Joshua 1:7: “But you must be very strong and resolute to observe faithfully all the Teaching that My servant Moses enjoined upon you. Do not deviate from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

Deuteronomy 13:1: “Be careful to observe only that which I enjoin upon you: neither add to it nor take away from it.”

Deuteronomy 28:13-14: “The LORD will make you the head, not the tail; you will always be at the top and never at the bottom—if only you obey and faithfully observe the commandments of the LORD your God that I enjoin upon you this day, and do not deviate to the right or to the left from any of the commandments that I enjoin upon you this day and turn to (go after) the worship of other gods.”

So it seems that after all, we have allowed the names of pagan gods to be mentioned in our tradition. We have celebrated or mourned during the times of pagan tradition things that we brought with us out of exile, remodeling them to form a part of our own religious observance. Time to wake up, arise, oh daughter of Zion! Shake off the dust of paganism from these traditions and seek true teshuva. Then we can expect to pray and have our prayers answered. Too many bad things have happened to Jews over the centuries! If only we would turn from our sins and realize the desire of the Creator to gather us back to His original plan and to recognize us as His People!

2 Chronicles 7:14 Tells us what we must do so that Hashem will be open to our prayers once again:

If I shut up the heaven so that there is no rain, or if I command the grasshopper to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land. Now my eyes shall be open and my ears be attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.”

_______________________________________________

1https://www.sefaria.org/Ezekiel.8.6?lang=en&p2=Ezekiel.8.6-15&ven2=The_Koren_Jerusalem_Bible&lang2=en

2https://wordpress.com/post/ariellat.wordpress.com/142

3https://lidblog.com/tisha-bav-cursed/

4https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/144573/jewish/The-Three-Weeks.htm

5https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventeenth_of_Tammuz

6https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-ninth-of-av

7https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/2471-bar-kokba-and-bar-kokba-war

8https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/946703/jewish/What-Happened-on-the-Ninth-of-Av.htm

9https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-ninth-of-av

10https://jothishi.com/jewish-views-on-astrology/

¿Que pasa? ¿Nombres Paganos en el Calendario?

El Calendario Hebreo y los Dioses Paganos

Un verano en Israel en el cuarto mes Hebreo, algunos de mis amigas ortodoxas me animaron a unirme al ayuno de Tammuz, lo que dura para tres días. Por alguna razón este ayuno provocó mi curiosidad. Parecía que algo estaba mal–algo que necesitaba investigar. Me abstuve de ayunar y, en cambio, comencé a escribir e investigar. El ayuno de Tammuz ocurre desde el día 18 del 4to mes hebreo. Por supuesto, la razón que me dieron para el ayuno, que generalmente es de un día, fue que nosotros debería ser un ayuno prolongado para que Dios actúe para resolver la crisis sanitaria y económica del mundo. Sin embargo, encuentro algo muy raro aquí. La Biblia dice algo que sigue resonando en mi cabeza:

Ezequiel 8:14: “Luego me llevó a la entrada de la puerta norte de la casa de Jehová; y allí estaban sentadas las mujeres llorando a Tammuz.”

¿Por qué encontramos este versículo sobre mujeres llorando por un dios falso? ¿Tiene esto algo que ver con la costumbre de un período de luto de tres semanas por la pérdida del templo que finaliza el 9 de AV? ¿Y por qué un mes hebreo lleva el nombre de un dios pagano? ¿El de Tammuz? ¿Y hay mas?

Parece significante que durante mas que 2500 años (Ver: Schechter) los judíos han ayunado el 17 de Tammuz y continuaron en el estado de duelo durante las próximas tres semanas hasta el 9 de AV, el quinto mes Hebreo.

En realidad, esta pregunta no es nueva; surgió hace 2.500 años, mencionado por primera vez en el Libro de Zacarías. Dos años antes de la dedicación del Segundo Templo, la gente cuestionó la relevancia de los ayunos relacionados con la destrucción del Primer Templo. La respuesta del profeta es inesperada. Advierte de un vuelco en el mundo de los valores, y promete que en el futuro, los ayunos del 17 de Tammuz, 9 de Av, Gedalia y 10 de Tevet serán días de gozo y alegría para Israel.” Schechter Institute

La explicación tradicional para el ayuno de ese día (17 Tammuz) es que se abrieron brechas en las murallas de la ciudad en tal día, y esto llevó acabo hasta la completa destrucción del templo. También reclamen que este es el día en que se llevó a cabo la adoración del becerro de oro en el Sinaí mientras los israelitas esperaban el regreso de Moisés de la montaña y, según el midrash, esto pasó “porque los israelitas calcularon mal el tiempo del regreso de Moisés. (No hay base bíblica para este entendimiento). El Talmud de Jerusalén declara que los muros del primer y segundo templo se rompieron el 17 de Tammuz. Wikipedia

La comprensión rabínica sobre el momento en que ocurió la destrucción del templo no está de acuerdo con lo que dice el profeta Jeremías. Entonces, ¿qué dice Jeremías sobre el momento que se abrieron brechas en los muros?

Jeremías 39:2 “Y en el año undécimo de Sedequías, en el mes cuarto, a los nueve días, se abrieron brechas en los muros de la ciudad”.

Jeremías 52:6-7: ” En el mes cuarto, a los nueve días del mes, prevaleció el hambre en la ciudad, hasta no haber pan para el pueblo. Y fue abierta una brecha en el muro de la ciudad, y todos los hombres de guerra huyeron, y salieron de la ciudad de noche por el camino de la puerta entre los dos muros que había cerca del jardín del rey, y se fueron por el camino del Arabá, estando aún los caldeos junto a la ciudad alrededor.

“El Libro de Jeremías (capítulos 39.2 y 52.6–7) afirma que los muros de Jerusalén durante el Primer Templo se rompieron el 9 del cuarto mes hebrea-o “Tammuz”). Sin embargo, la Talmud de Babilonia pone la fecha para la tercera tragedia (ruptura de los muros de Jerusalén) en el período del Segundo Templo. [6] Pero, el Talmud de Jerusalén (Taanit IV, 5) afirma que en ambas épocas los muros se rompieron el 17 de Tammuz, y que la diferencia en el texto de Jeremías 39 se explica afirmando que el registro bíblico fue “distorsionado,” aparentemente debido a los tiempos difíciles. [7]” Wikipedia

Entonces, ¿quiénes debemos creer y seguir, a el profeta Jeremias o el Talmud? ¿Cuál tiene mayor verdad? Quizás, mas adelante, viendo de dónde viene esta practica, de observar este tiempo como algo sagrado (no fue mandado por YHVH), podamos decidir…

Lev 19: 26: “No comerán cosa alguna con su sangre, ni serán adivinos ni agoreros.” (las palabras “ni serán adivinos” en el sentido en hebreo incluye observar tiempos de fortuna como hacen los adivinos.)

Entonces, ¿quién era Tammuz?

Tammuz, un sumerio Dumuzi, en la religión mesopotámica, dios de la fertilidad que encarna los poderes para una nueva vida en la naturaleza en la primavera. El nombre Tammuz parece haberse derivado de la forma acadia Tammuzi, basada en el sumerio primitivo Damu-zid, El joven Impecable, que en el sumerio estándar posterior se convirtió en Dumu-zid, o Dumuzi. La mención más antigua conocida de Tammuz se encuentra en textos que fechan de la primera parte del período Dinástico Temprano III (c. 2600-c. 2334 a. c.), pero su culto probablemente era mucho más antiguo. Aunque el culto está atestiguado para la mayoría de las principales ciudades de Sumeria en el tercer y segundo milenio a. c., se centró en las ciudades alrededor del área de la estepa central (el edin), por ejemplo, en Bad-tibira (en tiempos modernos, Medina), donde Tammuz era el dios de la ciudad.

“…Cuando el culto de Tammuz se extendió a Asiria en el segundo y primer milenio a. c., el carácter de este dios parece haber cambiado de pastor a deidad agrícola. Los textos sugieren que en Asiria (y más tarde entre los sabeos), Tammuz era visto básicamente como el poder en el grano, muriendo cuando se molía el grano.” Enciclopedia Británica

En nuestro calendario hebreo de hoy, el cuarto mes del año calendario secular es el mes de Tammuz. Este, junto con otros meses hebreos, fueron nombrados durante el exilio babilónico para dar honra a las deidades babilónicas. Los babilonios eran el reino de jour(de ese día) y habían incorporado este culto en su calendario. El pueblo judío también adoptó este mes titular y su ritual y culto religioso, como Dios lo mostró a Ezequiel (cap. 8:14). Se practicaba en el Templo mismo en sus últimos días antes de la destrucción.” D.Y. Freeland, Aish Menorá Timeline.

El festivo de la deidad Tammuz se llevó a cabo durante todo el mes de Tammuz durante el verano, y celebró su muerte y resurrección. El primer día del mes de Tammuz fue el día de la luna nueva del solsticio de verano. En el segundo dia del mes hubo lamentación por la muerte de Tammuz, en los días 9, 16 y 17 procesiones con antorchas, y en los últimos tres días, se enterró una imagen de Tammuz.” Wikipedia

En el siglo XIX, los arqueólogos comenzaron a descubrir restos arqueológicos que muestran la verdad sobre la antigua religión pagana que descarrió a los israelitas. Hoy sabemos que las mujeres lloraban por Tammuz, porque era un dios de la fertilidad que representaba el ciclo de vida del trigo. En Israel, el trigo madura a principios del verano cuando la planta de trigo muere, dejando una semilla viable que se puede plantar el próximo año. Las lluvias de invierno proporcionan humedad, lo que hace que la nueva cosecha de trigo se levante del suelo. A diferencia de Europa y América del Norte, el verano en Israel se caracteriza por un período seco sin lluvia en el que todo lo verde muere y el invierno se caracteriza por la lluvia con abundante crecimiento y vida. Los antiguos paganos creían que este ciclo agrícola de muerte y renacimiento invernal era una sombra de la vida de Tammuz. El dios Tammuz murió a principios del verano dejando atrás el alimento que daba vida y que sustentaba al mundo; luego resucitó en el invierno, comenzando el ciclo nuevamente.” Nehemia Gordon

El culto de Ishtar y Tammuz continuó prosperando hasta el siglo XI dc y sobrevivió en partes de Mesopotamia hasta el siglo XVIII. Tammuz se menciona por su nombre en el Libro de Ezequiel y posiblemente se alude a él en otros pasajes de la Biblia hebrea. En los estudios de religión de finales del siglo XIX y principios del XX, Tammuz fue ampliamente visto como un excelente ejemplo del dios arquetípico que muere y resucita,…” Wikipedia

Por supuesto, vemos al dios moribundo y resucitado en otras religiones, ¿no es cierto? Entonces, ¿porque debemos tener uno en el judaísmo? El cristianismo abraza y celebra el día del mítico nacimiento de Tammuz, el 25 de diciembre cuando el sol en el antiguo culto al sol renacía justo después del día más corto del año para comenzar su regreso a calentar la tierra en el ciclo de la agricultura. Es cierto sin embargo que muchos cristianos no saben esto y pretenden celebrar, supuestamente, el nacimiento de Jesús. Vea la siguiente cita sobre el nacimiento de Tammuz:

Unos ocho meses después, permaneciendo en la tierra de Shinar, Saternalia quedó embarazada y tuvo que “rescatar su situación”. Luego afirmó que su difunto esposo, que ahora era “el Sol”, la fecundó con los rayos del Sol, y su hijo, al que llamó Tammuz, nació en el solsticio de invierno. Tammuz fue adorado como la reencarnación del dios sol “Nimrod”, y su cumpleaños se reconoce hasta el día de hoy, el 25 de diciembre.” News24

Todo el calendario hebreo fue adoptado del calendario babilónico. ¿Cómo se llaman los meses de ese calendario? ¿Por qué se cambiaron los nombres que originalmente eran numéricos por los nombres del calendario babilónico? ¿Cuáles de estos son en realidad nombres de deidades paganas? Y si no son, ¿de donde vienen? Estos son los meses hebreos con los nombres babilónicos que se usen hoy en día:

1. Nisan, 2. Iyyar, 3. Sivan, 4. Tammuz, 5. Av, 6. Elul, 7. Tishri, 8. Heshvan, 9. Kislev,
10. Tebeth, 11. Shevat, 12. Adar, y si 13, segundo Adar.

Los nombres babilónicos actuales que corresponden a estos mismos meses son:

1. Nisanu, 2. Aru, 3. Simanu, 4. Dumuzu o Tammuz, 5. Abu, 6. Ululu, 7. Tisritum, 8. Samnu,
9. Kislimu, 10. Tebetum, 11. Sabatu, 12. Adaru, y cuando hay un mes 13: Addaru Arku. (¿Ves las similitudes?)

El calendario babilónico y la Biblia

Cuando el antiguo Israel cayó bajo el dominio de grandes imperios, su calendario se alteró radicalmente. Esto se debe a que en las sociedades antiguas, el tiempo y los calendarios estaban controlados principalmente por gobernantes políticos. Entonces encontramos que en la mayor parte de la Biblia hebrea, los meses del año solo están numerados y casi nunca tienen nombre; pero después del exilio babilónico, en los libros de Zacarías, Ester, Esdras y Nehemías, los nombres de los meses babilónicos aparecen repentinamente y se vuelven bastante frecuentes. Los meses babilónicos de Nisan, Sivan, Elul, Kislev, Tevet, Shevat y Adar se usan solos o junto con meses numerados. Nisán, en la primavera, se usa consistentemente en estos libros con el “primer mes” del Éxodo (Éxodo 12:2); Nisán, de hecho, fue el primer mes del calendario babilónico.

“…El uso de los nombres de los meses babilónicos, luego se convirtió en estándar en el calendario judío, no es sorpresa en el contexto del período posterior al exilio. El calendario babilónico se originó en Babilonia (sur de Irak) a principios del segundo milenio a.c., se extendió al resto de Mesopotamia a fines del segundo milenio a.c. y luego se convirtió, en el primer milenio a.c., en el calendario oficial de los grandes imperios de Asiria. Babilonia y Persia, en uso en todo el Oriente Cercano. Los judíos bajo el dominio de Persa lo adoptaron como su propio calendario, al igual que muchos otros pueblos del Imperio Persa.

“…Los judíos adoptaron no solamente los nombres de los meses babilónicos sino también todo el calendario babilónico. Este calendario era lunar, y cada mes comenzaba a la vista de la luna nueva. Dado que doce meses lunares son aproximadamente once días más cortos que el año solar, el calendario babilónico se intercalaba (o igualaba) cada dos o tres años mediante la adición de un mes 13 (generalmente duplicando el mes 12, Adar, y con menos frecuencia por duplicando el sexto mes, Elul). Esto permitió que el sistema lunar se pusiera al día con el sol y las estaciones. Este calendario puede haber sido bastante similar al calendario israelita original, que muy probablemente también era lunar; de hecho, esto puede haber ayudado a los judíos a adoptarlo sin escrúpulos.

“…Que los judíos del período posterior al exilio estaban usando el calendario imperial oficial para determinar las fechas de las festividades bíblicas es evidente, al menos, del “Papiro de Pascua” de Elefantina (una colonia judía en el sur de Egipto). Este documento indica que en 419 a.c., los judíos de Elefantina observaron las fiestas de la Pascua y los Panes sin Levadura durante el primer mes del calendario babilónico, Nisán, de acuerdo con la prescripción del Pentateuco de que estas fiestas se observaran “en el primer mes” del año.

“…Es de suponer que esta práctica continuó hasta bien entrado al período helenístico, cuando los pueblos de habla aramea del Cercano Oriente todavía usaban en gran medida el calendario babilónico con fines oficiales. Pero después de que el estado judío asmoneo se separó de sus señores helenísticos seléucidas a mediados del siglo II a. c, los judíos ya no tenían ninguna razón para cumplir con el calendario de la lejana Babilonia, y su calendario pronto adquirió características distintas. Aunque se mantuvieron los nombres de los meses babilónicos (como en los libros de los Macabeos), el calendario se intercaló en diferentes momentos (solo se intercalaría el mes de Adar, pero no el de Elul). Aún así, muchas características babilónicas siguieron siendo fundamentales para el calendario judío, como señaló más tarde el Talmud: “Rabí Hanina dijo: los nombres de los meses los acompañaron [a los exiliados] de Babilonia” Jerusalem Talmud por Sacha Stern, “Calendario babilónico y la Biblia”].

El calendario babilónico era un calendario lunisolar con años que constaban de 12 meses lunares, cada uno de los cuales comenzaba cuando una nueva luna creciente se avistaba por primera vez en el horizonte occidental al atardecer, más un mes intercalado insertado según fuera necesario por decreto. El calendario se basa en un predecesor sumerio (Tercera Dinastía de Ur) conservado en el calendario Umma de Shulgi (c. Siglo XXI a. c.). Wikipedia

El uso de los nombres de los dioses babilónicos y de otras naciones para los meses en el calendario hebreo llama la atención sobre esos dioses y ¡quizás ni siquiera deberíamos mencionarlos!

¿Qué dice la Biblia acerca de mencionar los nombres de otros dioses?

Josué 23:6-7:

“Esforzaos, pues, mucho en guardar y hacer todo lo que está escrito en el libro de la ley de Moisés, sin apartaros de ello ni a diestra ni a siniestra; 7 para que no os mezcléis con estas naciones que han quedado con vosotros, ni hagáis mención ni juréis por el nombre de sus dioses, ni los sirváis, ni os inclinéis a ellos.”

Éxodo 23:13:

Estad atentos a todo lo que os he dicho. No hagáis mención de los nombres de otros dioses; no se oirán de tus labios.”

¿Y que hay de usar nombres Romanos de los meses seculares de nuestro día? ¿Que hay del calendario Romano, y su organización y sus festivos paganos? Esto es algo que debemos pensar y cuestionar. ¡Que tan lejos hemos llegado de las cosas que nos ha mandado el Eterno YHVH!

Para un enfoque mas profundo de la verdad…

Ariella

¡Favor de gustar, comentar y compartir, se encuentra las opciones mas abajo!

Astrology in Jewish Worship

Rabbinic Holy Days and the Observance of Times (Astrology)

In the world of astrology the position of the stars and constellations on certain dates are connected to good and bad karma. Though a widely accepted practice throughout the world, the Bible forbids this approach which is the basis of astrology. Is it possible that the attention to special worship, mourning, abstaining, finding a mate, etc. on days that coincide with pagan holy days is actually observing that forbidden custom? Let us look a little closer at some connections in Judaism.

Why was it necessary to gather and compile several historical happenings that occurred around the same time of year to confirm the observance of the 17th of Tammuz, the following three weeks, the 9th and the 15th of Av (Tu Bishvat)? What is there about the low time that occurs during these 3 weeks?

This time of mourning in Jewish tradition, though basically unknown today, corresponds to the ancient death customs of the Babylonians for Tammuz (a fertility god) condemned by the Creator through the prophet Ezekiel (8:6-15).1

See my last article here.2

Tisha b’Av: The Day God Cursed, The Day Jews Cry…”Starting at sundown …is the Jewish fast day of Tisha B’Av (the name literally means the 9th of the Jewish month of Av). Since the time of Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, through modern times, horrible things have happened to the Jewish people on or around the 9th day of Av.” lidblog.com3

During the 3 weeks prior the the fast of the 9th of Av (5th Jewish month) — the day of mourning for the destruction of Herod’s Temple (CE 70) and the claimed destruction of Solomon’s Temple, abstinence from several things is required of Orthodox Jews:

Chabad in reference to the three weeks: “During this period, we lessen the extent of our rejoicing. We don’t: Conduct weddings. Play musical instruments or listen to music. Recite the Shehecheyanu blessing. Thus, we do not wear new clothing or eat fruit which we have not yet eaten this season so that we will not be required to recite Shehecheyanu. Take a haircut or shave…”4

The following is a list of events that purportedly took place on the 9th of Av: (perhaps a good fact checking is needed.)

  • The evil report of 10 of 12 spies is claimed to have taken place on the 9th of Av 1313 BCE and as a result the Israelites wandered 40 years. (Now try to make this add up for the 9th of AV using Numbers where the story is told. Start with chapter 10 and add all the details until chapter 14, I count no earlier than the 12th day of the 5th month–12th of AV).
  • Solomon’s Temple, claimed to be destroyed 9th of Av 587 BC after which Judah was exiled to Babylon for 70 years. But if we take the Bible as a credible source, we find: “The Book of Jeremiah (39:2, 52:6–7) states that the walls of Jerusalem during the First Temple were breached on the 9th of Tammuz. “the Babylonian Talmud dates the third tragedy (breach of Jerusalem’s walls) to the Second Temple period. However, the Jerusalem Talmud (Taanit IV, 5) states that in both eras the walls were breached on 17th Tammuz, and that the text in Jeremiah 39 is explained by stating that the Biblical record was “distorted”, apparently due to the troubled times.5” So what source do we believe? Is there an apparent agenda to make it fit the picture? Is it possible that the 9th was chosen to commemorate several Jewish disasters over the millennia? But is there something about that date that ties to anything that might have been believed by the nations at that time?
  • What about the second temple? According to the Jewish Virtual Library:6 “The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 C.E, on the 10th of Av, according to the historian Josephus (Wars, 6:249–50). This day is still observed as a day of mourning by the Karaites. The Talmud (Ta’an. 29a), however, gives the date as the 9th of Av, which became accepted as the anniversary of both destructions.” Why move the day? Josephus says one thing and the Talmud says another? Why?
  • Defeat at the Kochba Rebellion 9th of Av 133 CE when the Jewish rebellion was finally put down, some 100,000 to 500,000 died. Since the dates for this revolt stretch CE 132 to CE 136, it is difficult to find a particular day when it ended. According to the Jewish Encyclopedia:7 “the actual struggle for Bethar; after the fall of that city, which, according to the tradition, took place on the Ninth of Ab, 135.” Again we see the hand of tradition playing a role. Again, why was it so important to attach this event to the 9th of AV?
  • Herod’s Temple destroyed 9th of Av 70 CE when the final dispersion of the Jews began on a global scale for the next 2000 years.
  • Jews expelled from England 18 July 1290 CE, claimed to be 9th of Av 1290 CE. Jews lose land & property and are forced into exile. (According to the Hebrew Date Converter, the actual day may be the 2nd of AV, However, owing to the change of the calendar in by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 which corrected the Calendar by 10 days, it is difficult to know the actual date other than to follow rabbinic sources.
  • Jews expelled from Spain 9th of Av 1492 CE lose land & property, forced exile, Columbus sails next day. 26th of Tamuz according to Hebrew Calendar Converter. Adjusts up to 10 days (even adding 10 days, it does not come to the 9th of Av)
  • Jews expelled from France 9th of Av 1306 CE when they were also forced into exile. July 22, 1306 converts to 2 Av 5066 (In this case the Gregorian Calendar adjustment of up to 10 days could fit).
  • Jews expelled from Germany 9th of Av 1933 CE forced exile, Jewish Holocaust – 6 million Jews killed (The restrictions and expulsion of Jews in Germany started April 8,1933 and over the years during the Holocaust continued, nothing of great import happened on the 9th of Av).
  • Kristalnacht, often stated as having occurred the 9th of Av actually took place on November 9-10,1938.
  • Jews expelled from Gaza Strip 9th of Av 2005 CE forced exile from land (The Jewish settlers were driven out of Gaza by their own government during the period of August 2005-September 2005). This can hardly be blamed on the persecution of the nations if indeed it was an act of self sabotage!

“…What do you make of all this? Jews see this as another confirmation of the deeply held conviction that history isn’t haphazard; events – even terrible ones – are part of a Divine plan and have spiritual meaning. The message of time is that everything has a rational purpose, even though we don’t understand it.” From Chabad in reference to the ninth of AV.8

Jewish Virtual Library:9 “The Talmud justifies the 9th of Av as the major day of mourning because a series of calamities occurred on this day throughout Jewish history. The Mishnah (Ta’an. 4:6) enumerates five disasters: (1) on the 9th of Av it was decreed that the Children of Israel, after the Exodus from Egypt, should not enter the Promised Land; (2) the First and (3) the Second Temples were destroyed; (4) Bethar, the last stronghold of the leaders of the *Bar Kokhba war, was captured in 135 C.E.; and (5) one year later, in 136, the Roman emperor Hadrian established a heathen temple on the site of the Temple and rebuilt Jerusalem as a pagan city which was renamed Aelia Capitolina and which the Jews were forbidden to enter.

The expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 is said also to have occurred on the 9th of Av.

The 9th of Av thus became a symbol for all the persecutions and misfortunes of the Jewish people, for the loss of national independence and the sufferings in exile. The massacres of whole communities during the Crusades intensified this association.”

We see that at least some of the events that are claimed for the 9th of AV are not correctly dated. Why the effort to accumulate tragedies to fit a certain day? Does this have anything to do with the belief in Astrological dates (times of high and low energy related to the lining up of the constellations in the universe) a soul choosing to be born at that time with all the related challenges and tendencies from which one can elevate himself through the use of the methods of rectification suggested in the Kabbalah?

Is it possible that the real reason the temple was destroyed was because of idolatrous practices including the use of Astrology which had so permeated the thinking of the Jewish people that they did not know what they were observing nor whom they were worshiping?

From Jothishi:10 “According to the Jewish views on astrology, the Rabbis of the Second Temple taught that astrology does not apply to Jewish People. This doctrine is based on spiritual law. This law states that each person chooses the most appropriate time and place of birth so that they can achieve their Tikune (Correction) in this lifetime. The astrological influences affect each and every human being and help them to attain situations and conditions that can be used to achieve his or her Tikune. But when astrological judgments are pessimistic and are not supportive of our potentials, then you can use the Kabbalistic tool called Restriction and rise above the influence of these Astrological influences.

Judaism claims that by rising above the Astrological influence you can challenge your constellations and you have the ability to change the movie of your Life’s Karma.”

If this is true, is there not a heavenly voice telling us to leave these things and come away and cleanse ourselves from all of this idolatry which has even the names of those idols mentioned on the traditional Jewish calendar and in our prayer services? Whom are we worshiping and how did we get mixed up in defining our life’s agenda by astrological times?

Regardless of historical world events that appear to have happened at a certain time that may coincide with the pagan dates of Astrology, we are called to recognize Hashem’s Holy days and these days were established from time immemorial. When we look at traditional designated “holy” days, we must ask ourselves why we do what we do, especially when these happen to fall on days that coincide with ancient pagan observance, or rituals of remembering the dead! The Bible has a lot to say about Hashem’s Holy Days:

Leviticus 23:2, 4:

Speak to the children of Yisra᾽el, and say to them, The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy gatherings, these are My feasts. (That chapter defines those feasts).

These are the feasts of the Lord, holy gatherings, which you shall proclaim in their seasons.”

What about the command that we not observe times (astrology)? The practice of remembering historic events and commemorating them, especially during times of pagan observance, be something that is outside the boundaries of what Hashem commanded? Would making a day have a certain good or bad karma such as TU B’AV (a day when special powers for romance are available) actually be observance of times? Am I taking this too far afield? Perhaps a close look at ancient practices and how they came to be attached to our religious observance would be in order.

Many customs have come from a long tradition in Judaism—Astrology, which Hashem strictly forbade is much in use. Though most deny it, communication with holy rabbis long since passed from this life is a practice among many observant Jews.

And back to the first statement about 17th of Tammuz and the 3 weeks period following up until the 9th of AV—why do they fall during the exact time of the ancient pagan festival, mourning the death of Tammuz? (And why do we keep calling the month by that name?) There is clearly an influence that led Israel to adopt this time of mourning and compile its own events to make it of import to the Jewish people!

Deuteronomy 18:10;14: “For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.”

Joshua 1:7: “But you must be very strong and resolute to observe faithfully all the Teaching that My servant Moses enjoined upon you. Do not deviate from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

Deuteronomy 13:1: “Be careful to observe only that which I enjoin upon you: neither add to it nor take away from it.”

Deuteronomy 28:13-14: “The LORD will make you the head, not the tail; you will always be at the top and never at the bottom—if only you obey and faithfully observe the commandments of the LORD your God that I enjoin upon you this day, and do not deviate to the right or to the left from any of the commandments that I enjoin upon you this day and turn to (go after) the worship of other gods.”

So it seems that after all, we have allowed the names of pagan gods to be mentioned in our tradition. We have celebrated or mourned during the times of pagan tradition things that we brought with us out of exile, remodeling them to form a part of our own religious observance. Time to wake up, arise, oh daughter of Zion! Shake off the dust of paganism from these traditions and seek true teshuva. Then we can expect to pray and have our prayers answered. Too many bad things have happened to Jews over the centuries! If only we would turn from our sins and realize the desire of the Creator to gather us back to His original plan and to recognize us as His People!

2 Chronicles 7:14 Tells us what we must do so that Hashem will be open to our prayers once again:

If I shut up the heaven so that there is no rain, or if I command the grasshopper to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land. Now my eyes shall be open and my ears be attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.”

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1https://www.sefaria.org/Ezekiel.8.6?lang=en&p2=Ezekiel.8.6-15&ven2=The_Koren_Jerusalem_Bible&lang2=en

2https://wordpress.com/post/ariellat.wordpress.com/142

3https://lidblog.com/tisha-bav-cursed/

4https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/144573/jewish/The-Three-Weeks.htm

5https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventeenth_of_Tammuz

6https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-ninth-of-av

7https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/2471-bar-kokba-and-bar-kokba-war

8https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/946703/jewish/What-Happened-on-the-Ninth-of-Av.htm

9https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-ninth-of-av

10https://jothishi.com/jewish-views-on-astrology/