A book claiming to present the authentic astrology of Chazal for the first time has reportedly been largely adapted from non-Jewish and even Christian sources commonly associated with modern astrology.

Unfortunately, several podcasts within the frum community fell into this without proper verification, heavily promoting the book and effectively encouraging their audience to engage with astrology that is not aligned with a Torah perspective.

The book “Kosher Astrology: A Jewish Guide to Celestial Wisdom,” was written by Yitzchok Aharon Pinkesz, who claims to have discovered the astrology of Chazal for the first time. On various podcasts, he also claimed to have received an endorsement from Rabbi David Cohen, Rabbi of Congregation Gvul Yaavetz in Flatbush.

Because of these claims, he was invited onto numerous frum podcasts, and his book quickly became a bestseller.

Consequently, Rabbi Cohen has explicitly requested that it be made publicly known that the author misrepresented his statements, and that he vehemently opposes both the book and the author’s actions.

Rabbi Yisroel Marelus, a Lubavitcher Chassid who spent years studying astronomy in relation to the Rambam’s Hilchos Kiddush HaChodesh, explains in a lecture that Kosher Astrology is, in his view, largely modern gentile astrology mixed with Christian sources.

He adds that this perspective stands in contrast to the Chabad Chassidus understanding of Chochmah, Binah, and Daas, as explained in Tanya by the Alter Rebbe.

While it is established that Chazal discussed celestial influences, he stresses that this is not the same as the systems of modern astrology practiced today.

Because the author presents Chazal’s teachings alongside external astrological systems under one framework, it raises serious halachic questions. One should consult a qualified Rav regarding whether such material is appropriate to keep in a Jewish home.

In his lecture, Rabbi Marelus critiques modern astrological practices and explains why they are considered problematic from a halachic standpoint.

He further explains that, even beyond halachic concerns, this approach conflicts with the Chabad Chassidus emphasis on bitachon in Hashem.

Known for his shiurim on Hebrew months and the astronomy of Chazal, Rabbi Marelus describes extensive research across many sefarim and manuscripts in an attempt to clarify the Torah approach to celestial systems. He presents his conclusions as rooted in classical sources and Chassidus.

The lecture can be viewed here:

A related playlist is available here.