Rabbi’s Corner – Friggatriskaidekaphobia Edition

Dear Friends,
As connoisseurs of 1980′s horror movies will attest, Friday the 13th is a particularly inauspicious day, though like most folklores of superstition, its origins are suspect at best. Some theorists attribute the superstition as a combination of independent superstitions ascribing ominous traits to both the day Friday and the number 13, the combination of which would logically create a doubly foreboding day indeed.

On one hand as rational individuals we would typically mock such superstitions. But as religious Jews, it would seem that we have our own share of what might be considered superstitious or irrational connections with our calendar. Only last month we commemorated Tisha B’Av which some ascribe as a universal day of tragedy to the Jewish people, and we will shortly be celebrating Rosh Hashana as our New Year, and a Day of Atonement both of which carry unique spiritual significance and cause (or at least should cause) a dramatic shift in our thoughts and actions.

On the surface it would seem that our religion may be indistinguishable from the superstitions of others – after all there is no rational reason to ascribe greater metaphysical significance to one day of the year over any other aside from perhaps sentimentality.

I suggest the main difference is not in the significance of days, but how we react to them. For example the fear of Friday the 13th is connected to an uncontrollable force dictating either the days of the week or numerology. Like the alchemy of old, its basis is found in an antiquated form of science, describing the forces of nature beyond our control. In contrast, Judaism’s sacred days are not meant to be fatalistic but inspirational. Instead of resigning ourselves to the ways of the world, we are constantly reminded that redemption lies within – that we have the power to improve ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually, regardless of the struggles we face. Tisha B’Av is not only a day or mourning, but a day of contemplation, and Yom Kippur is only a day of atonement if one takes the process of repentance seriously. Thus the distinction is a matter of control and empowerment; our most sacred holidays remind us that every day of the year offers us the gift of opportunity.

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Josh Yuter