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1. What does Judaism say about birthdays?

There is only one single reference to a birthday in the Torah: “And it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants” (Genesis 40:20). Until comparatively recent times, birthday celebrations do not seem to have been held by Jews, or, at least, there is no record of them in Jewish literature. The Talmud (Kiddushin 72b) lists the birthdays of some famous rabbis who were born on the day that another famous rabbi died, thus replacing them, with an implication that there is cause for rejoicing when a good person is born.

In some communities, it has become customary for a person celebrating his 70th or 80th birthday to be called to the Torah, where special prayers are recited. The form of greeting on the birthday of elderly persons is generally: “May you live to be 120” (i.e. the span of the life of Moses).

I like to encourage members of my own congregation to be sure to know the date of their birthday according to the Hebrew calendar. That way one can celebrate not only their secular birthday, but their Jewish one as well. In our congregation, we have a Birthday Shabbat, where once a month all of those born in that month are invited to rise and receive a prayer and a blessing in honor of their birthday.

2. Is there anything wrong with a Jew believing in astrology?

Judging by the popularity of horoscopes and fortune telling along with books on the subject, many people still believe in astrology, though it is often looked upon as no more than a parlor game. There is no doubt that in a pre-scientific age, Jews did believe in astrology. The rabbis of the Talmud, for instance, believed in it, though some of them posited that the stars had no influence over Jews, who were under direct divine influence.

Traces of the belief are still to be found in words used by Jews, notably the expression mazal tov (literally “a good star”). An unfortunate person is called a shlimazal (one on whom fortune does not smile). Even when the belief in astrology was strong, however, it was taught that the Jew should leave the future to God, and not, therefore, consult astrologers. “The Code of Jewish Law” (Yoreh Deah 179:1) states categorically: “One should not consult astrologers nor should one cast lots to determine the future.”

3. I very much enjoy going to Atlantic City and playing the slot machines. Is there a Jewish view about gambling?

There are no references to formal gambling in the Bible. Of course, there is the mentioning of the casting of lots in the Book of Jonah in order to determine who was responsible for their evil condition. The notorious Haman had lots cast to determine the most suitable month in which to annihilate the Jews.

In rabbinic law, the element of chance enters into the widely applied law of ruba (“majority”). If, for example, nine shops in a town sold kosher meat and one non-kosher, meat found in a street of the town would be kosher. It was assumed that the meat came from a kosher shop.

Gambling is mentioned in several of the Mishnahs of the Talmud, (Rosh Hashanah 1:8 and Sanhedrin 3:3) where it is stated that two types of gambler are disqualified from acting as witnesses in a Jewish court of law. These are the dice player and the person who bets on pigeon racing. It was the view of Rabbi Sheshet that only the habitual gambler, who has no other trade, is disqualified, not because he is a thief but because he plays no part in the betterment of society. “The Code of Jewish Law” does permit occasional gambling. Know that it is OK to go out and buy a lottery ticket or have some enjoyment at a casino.

4. Does the Torah have anything to say about paying respect to the elderly?

The Book of Leviticus states: “You shall rise before the aged and show deference to the old.” The verse’s first words are often posted in Israeli buses to encourage people to offer their seats to the elderly. The Book of Deuteronomy (32:7) states: “Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders and they shall instruct you.” In traditional societies, elders are respected for their ties to the past and for the wisdom they transmit.

There is still much stereotyping of the elderly, and the prejudice toward old age is often underscored by the desperate need of so many people to look much younger than they are. I have always admired the talmudic advice (Ta’anit 20b) listing the requirements for attaining a long life:

“The students of Rabbi Zeira asked him: ‘How did you achieve such a good old age?’ He said to them: ‘In all my days I never showed impatience, I never walked in front of any person greater than me, I never rejoiced in my neighbor’s shame, and I never call my fellow by a nickname which he might resent or be embarrassed by’.”

Rabbi Isaacs’ forthcoming book is “Have a Good Laugh: Jewish Jokes for the Soul” (Ktav Publishing). Rabbi Ron Isaacs is the spiritual leader of Temple Sholom, a Conservative congregation in Bridgewater. He has recently published biographies of Abraham Joshua Heschel and Judah Touro (Torah Aura Productions). Contact him at www.rabbiron.com or “Ask the Rabbi,” c/o Rabbi Ron Isaacs, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 6007, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807.