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I am pleased and continue to be gratified by your questions and comments regarding "Ask the Rabbi". As always I look forward to receiving your emails and invite those who have questions not to be shy and to ask. Enjoy this month's installment of questions and answers!

1. Why do we need organized religion?

Many have argued that we need organized religion for the same reason that we need organized political parties and other organized social movements. History has demonstrated that in order for something to have an effect upon a community or the world at large, it is necessary for people to work together in a formal organization of some kind. Few politicians would be elected to public office without the backing of an organized body of supporters committed to the candidate's cause. Centuries ago the great sage Hillel said, "Do not separate yourself from the community" (Ethics of the Fathers 2:5). Since that time, Jewish people have always gathered together, not because they are all close friends or even because they agree with one another, but simply because they need to be organized with one another to go on being Jews.

There are, to be sure, people who believe that organization is undesirable in religion. Those who feel that religion ought to be a private matter, and that no form of organization is necessary. Such people often see religion as pertaining only to beliefs about God and prayer, with little bearing on one's daily routine. This view is far from the Judaic ideal. Judaism throughout its history has been concerned with organizing people to help improve the quality of life in the world. The widespread support for the various United Jewish Community Campaigns to bring oppressed Jews to Israel accents the tremendous commitment that many Jews feel in organizing to help their brothers and sisters throughout the world.

2. Is there a Jewish approach to making decisions?

There are Jewish guidelines to help you with your problem-solving. Judaism has always valued the principle of trying to find similar situations, precedents, examples, or guidelines from the past when dealing with a new problem. This is the way that the rabbis in the Talmud attempted to answer their questions. For instance, when looking at an issue like the permissibility of a woman to have an abortion, the rabbis delved into biblical cases and rabbinic cases that related to the subject.

Another Jewish guideline for decision-making would be: "Before judging another person, put yourself in that person's place" (Ethics of the Fathers 2:5).

Finally, following a moderate middle course of action is another piece of Jewish advice when it comes to solving problems. Judaism has always advocated moderation as opposed to extremism.

3. When close to one's death, is there anything that Jews are supposed to say?

Traditional Jews make confession (vidui) on their deathbed, in keeping with the talmudic statement "When a person is sick and near to death, one is asked to make confession" (Talmud, Shabbat 32a). There are different versions of the Jewish death-bed confessional recited by the ill, depending on their physical condition. Here is the shorter form: "May my death be an atonement for all the sins, iniquities, and transgressions of which I have been guilty against You." The confession concludes with the recitation of the Shema: "Hear O Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4).

4. Do Jews believe in astrology?

There is no doubt that Jews in ancient times did believe in astrology. Many talmudic scholars are quoted as believing in it, although some of them posited that the stars had no influence over Jews, who were under direct divine influence. In the Babylonian Talmud astrologers are known as kaldiyyim (Talmud, Pesachim 113b). The Jerusalem Talmud more frequently uses the term astrologia for "astrology".

Many ancient rabbis believed that the heavenly bodies played a major role in determining human affairs in the sublunar world. Abraham and his progeny are spoken of in midrashic texts as having been elevated beyond subjection to the stars.

Traces of the ancient Jewish belief in the stars influencing people can be found in some of the words used by the ancient rabbis and still used today. For example, the popular phrase mazal tov, which is often interpreted as meaning "good fortune" or "good luck" literally refers to "a good star."

There are numerous vestiges of astrology in Jewish folklore. For instance, one should not start any business on the new moon, on Friday (Sifra, Kedoshim 6). According to Nachmanides, one should perform marriages only in the first half of the month while the moon is waxing. And finally, kids will likely enjoy knowing that an unslept-in-bed (called the bed of Gad), in a house is a good luck charm! (Talmud, Moed Katan 27a).

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, NJ 08807.