INTRODUCTION:

While our horoscopes for 2026 may have started in January, Rosh Hashanah and the months of Elul/Tishrei give us a great opportunity to take stock of our lives and what we want to change for the rest of 2026 and the Hebrew year of 5787. Some people are influenced by their astrological signs, and others don’t believe it at all. This is not dissimilar to our ancient sages who also were skeptical of astrology, and yet, still wrote about it in Talmudic and Kabbalistic texts. This alludes to the fact that the study of the Zodiac and astrology were part of the times in which they lived. This program is an opportunity to learn about Judaism and the Zodiac while setting goals for the year. It’s a mix of social, educational, and tasty – just the way our lives should be. 

MATERIALS:

• Zodiac inspired menu  
• What does your horoscope say for the year sheet? 
• Zodiac and Judaism resource sheet 

PROGRAM OUTLINE (1 hr):

• [part one] Zodiac ice breaker 
• [part two] What does Judaism say about the Zodiac discussion 
• [part three] Zodiac inspired meal 

[part one] (15 mins) 

Break the ice, get everyone to know each other with this Zodiac ice breaker. (see above) 

[part two] (20 mins) 

Start discussion with: New year, new goals, what does your Zodiac sign say about you? Share the horoscope for the year sheet (see above link).  

Can this influence how you set your goals for repentance and atonement in the new year?  

Do you hold stock in your horoscope? 

Wait, does Judaism even believe in astrological signs? Using the resource sheet and prepared questions, learn about Judaism and the Zodiac 

[part three] (30 mins) 

Sit with someone who has a compatible sign and enjoy your Zodiac inspired food together. 

Ask people if they’re comfortable sharing their goals for the new year and if their sign influences them.