Fish Tail

      A Fish Tail

Say mazel tov! And many images come to mind.  We think of Bar Mitzvahs, Brises, weddings and many more memorable occasions.  Yet, the phrase “mazel tov!” comes from the heavens.  Each month brings with it a new constellation of stars in the night sky which we call mazalot.  Yes, mazel originally meant stellar constellation.

So, long ago when Jews wished another “mazel tov!” what they were really saying was, “May the fortune of the stars be with you.”

The Hebrew month of Adar (which comes in late winter) has the sign of the fish, or Pisces we call it.  Those born in the month of Adar came into the world under the mazel of the fish.

For Jews, the fish* is a great symbol of fertility, mystery, and hope.

In the opening passages of Beresheit, Genesis, God blesses the animals of the deep with “be fruitful and multiply.”  These same words shared with His crowning creation, humanity.  That is why there are traditions of having ketubot (marriage contracts) decorated with images of fish, as the couple is blessed with having many children.  It is also why many celebrations of marriage feature fish as a dish as they are wished many offspring.

Another tradition.  Jewish folks often place the head of a fish on their table for Rosh Hashanna.  This is a prayer that we will be blessed “as a head and not a tail” for the coming year.  At the same time, the placement of a fish on the table is a reminder of the bounty of the God-created world.

Another tradition. Fish are also associated with the Messianic time.  That is why gefilte fish often decorate the Shabbat table, whether on Friday night or for the “third meal” of Shabbat. 

As the denizens of the deep fish have no eyelids.  They are ever watchful and aware.  They wait for the appearance of the Messiah in a relentless vigil.  And they are the one creature spared from the Deluge during the time of Noah.  That is why they are considered specially blessed, ever free from sin. 

Another tradition.  On Rosh Hashanna we throw bread crumbs into the water, casting our sins away.  We call this Tashlikh (and yes it is a part of our tradition here are Beth Shalom.  Check your schedule.).  As fish are without blame they can absorb the crimes we have carried.

Perhaps it makes sense that some Jews are even given the name Fischel, an optimistic title.

Finally, according to legend, the End of Days will see us feasting on the flesh of the giant of the deep, Leviathan.

* Only fish with fins and scales are considered kosher, according to the Torah.