Can Jews believe in karma

Answer 1

Individual Jews can believe in karma but it goes against Judaism to do so. Judaism has its own concept, which is that God (not karma) responds in a manner corresponding to our behavior: kindness tends to be answered in kind, etc.

Answer 2

We don't use the word "karma", which is a Hindu word and is a concept that does not match Jewish traditions because of its implicit recognition of reincarnation and its correspondence with "dharma" which is a very "un-Jewish" concept.

Our traditions teach us that a person can expect to be treated by others, and by God, in a way which corresponds to his/her own behavior. See the Talmud, Sotah 9b-10a, for many specific examples from our history.

Answer 3

Karma, kismet, destiny, and the Zodiac have little (if any) place in Judaism. While there is some discussion (Talmud, Shabbat 156a) of mazalot (constellations or Zodiac signs), the chief emphasis is on Hashgacha Perati: God supervises what happens to us. What happens is based partially upon what we desire (Talmud, Makkot 10b), partially upon what we pray for (Psalms 37:4), partially upon the principle of corresponding reward and punishment for our use of our free-will (Talmud, Sotah 8b), and partially upon other factors, such as our ancestors.
God gives us opportunities, allowing us to choose whether or not to take them. The principle of "God helps those who help themselves" is accepted in Judaism (midrash Sifrei, Bamidbar 1; see also Talmud, Berakhot 40a). We do not accept fatalism or pessimism. Even what one's birth sign would predict can be bent in various directions, depending on whether we do God's will (Talmud, Shabbat 156b). Moreover, even prophecy itself can be redirected through repentance (see Rashi commentary, Yoma 73b).

See also:

The basic beliefs of Judaism

Does Judaism contain philosophy?