Different cultures throughout the centuries have had their own unique views on luck, chance and fate. The Vikings, for example, believed that their lives had been destined by the Gods and that anything they did in their lives could not change what fate had in store for them.

Then there were the Navajo of North America who believed that pointing at rainbows or throwing rocks into the wind would bring them untold misfortune. 

One common theme throughout history though, is that the concept of luck is influenced by religious beliefs. We look specifically at how Judaism has influenced Jewish ideas of luck and explore the role of superstition in the Jewish faith.

The Definitive Answer

The truth is, there is no definitive answer that can ever really be attributed to religion, as much of religious teaching comes down to interpretation. That’s why there are so many different denominations of mainstream religions such as Judaism and Christianity.

However, if you are looking for as definitive an answer as you can get about Judaism’s view on luck, you need look no further than The Torah, which cautions, “you shall not believe in lucky times” (Leviticus 19:26).

Despite this relatively conclusive command from The Torah, luck does still play a role in modern Jewish cultures.

Mazel & Mazel U’Bracha

Mazel Tov is often said between Jews to wish one another good luck.

The idea of believing in lucky times may be shunned by The Torah, but in popular Jewish culture, luck is regularly discussed and actively believed in. The phrase ‘Mazel Tov’ in Yiddish for example, literally translates as good luck.

It’s either used as a phrase to recognize something that could be seen as good fortune, like the healthy birth of twins or a good business transaction. Or it is used to wish a person or persons good fortune/luck in the future.

Then there’s the phrase ‘Mazel U’Bracha’, traditionally used as a saying by businessmen when closing a deal in the diamond trade with a handshake. 

Other superstitions such as baking a key into bread on the Shabbos following Passover have prominence in Jewish culture.

The Jewish View on Luck Games

One key aspect of modern life that places heavy emphasis on luck, chance and good fortune is the gambling industry, which is somewhat of a grey area in Judaism.

There are no specific passages prohibiting gambling, but the Rabbis of the Talmud did not look upon the practice favorably. This means different denominations of Judaism have varying views on gambling.

Orthodox Jews, for example, are more likely to take the view that gambling should be avoided. This is because according to scripture, those that partake in gambling are not able to bear witness in a Jewish court.

More modern denominations do still take a poor view of gambling, but do not prohibit it or look on it as negatively as Orthodox Jews do.

888 Holdings: A Jewish Gambling Success Story

888 Holdings is a company that was set-up in the late 1990s by Israeli entrepreneurs Avi Shaked, Aaron Shaked, Shay Ben-Yitzhak and Ron Ben-Yitzhak.

These entrepreneurs invested heavily in online casino technology way before most notable gambling companies. Their views on gambling were obviously much more relaxed than traditional and reserved Jewish values.

In the years that have followed since their establishment, 888 has gone on to become a global success story. Both the company and their many Jewish players are great examples of how modern attitudes to gambling have evolved in Judaism.

In New York alone, Jews make up 13% of the city’s population, with many choosing to gamble online. And what better place to do so than with an operator that respects these Jewish values with its safe gambling practices and wide variety of online casino games. 

Important Figures in Gambling 

Throughout history, there has been several notable Jews who have changed the way luck-based games are viewed in Judaism. These include: 

• Sheldon Adelson – the late casino tycoon and CEO of the largest casino operator, Las Vegas Sands, revolutionized the gambling industry. Growing up in a poor Jewish household in Boston, he went on to become a billionaire from his casino company, making many Jews rethink their opinion on the industry.  

• Teddy Sagi – this successful Israeli founded the popular gambling software Playtech, which is now used by many top operators including 888 Casino. From this success, he has also managed to purchase most of London’s Camden Market and is certainly a role model in the Jewish community.  

• Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel – better known as a Jewish-American mobster, Bugsy was actually a pivotal figure in developing the Las Vegas Strip as we know it today. 

Superstitions

Many Jewish superstitions are striking opposites to the ones we know from Western culture. 

Black Cats

In Medieval Europe, black cats were a sign of bad luck, as they were often associated with witchcraft. In addition to this, they were also viewed as carriers of disease and thus became feared by European populations.

Crossing the path of a black cat was thought to be a sign of bad fortune ahead or impending doom, however, in Judaism there’s no such link. Cats, whatever their color, have positive traits that Jews can learn from.

King David, for example, noted that cats were steadfast in their resolve to pursue their goals and suggested that we could follow suit. In addition to this, Jewish sage Rabbi Yochanan posited that cats, who are neat and fastidious, are an example of modesty that we should all aspire to.

Friday the 13th

The number of 13 is so feared in western culture that there’s even a medical condition linked to a fear of it (Triskaidekaphobia). The dislike of Friday the 13th is thought to have its roots in Jesus’ crucifixion on a Friday and the western superstition that 13 is an unlucky number.

In Judaism, however, Friday and the number 13 both have very positive connotations and are nothing to be feared in combination.

Knocking on Wood

You may be aware of the tendency of some to knock on wood, or touch wood, before they embark on something or when something is said about the future. This habit comes from Pagan times when people believed that the Gods and the spirits inhabited trees.

Knocking on wood was thought to remind the spirits to look over people and bless them with luck. In Judaism, there’s no leeway for other Gods or spirits, so this superstition has no bearing in the Jewish faith.

In Summary

Scripture tells us that we should not live our lives in the belief of luck or practice divination. Despite this, certain elements of luck and fortune have creeped into Jewish culture throughout the centuries.

However, that is not to say that Jews place anywhere near as much importance on luck and superstition as Christians or other religious faiths. All that is left to say on the matter is… Mazel Tov.