The Chasidic movement, particularly the Ba’al Shem Tov, revived the idea of the importance of one’s Jewish birthday. The Ba’al Shem Tov made a point of blessing people on their birthday as it is a time of renewal and empowerment for the coming year.
[To find the Jewish date of your birth, use the lunar, not solar calendar and the time of your birth, if after nightfall. There is calculator and more information on Chabad.org. https://www.chabad.org/calendar/birthday_cdo/aid/6228/jewish/Jewish-Birthday-Calculator.htm]
The spiritual importance of one’s birthday was also recognized in the non-Jewish world. The Jerusalem Talmud relates that the tribe of Amalek (who we are commanded to obliterate entirely; this will only happen in the time of Mashiach) would choose a warrior who was celebrating his birthday to lead their fighting force. They were aware that on his birthday, this particular soldier would have a certain measure of heavenly protection.
There are some Chasidic customs that are followed on a birthday, apart from a gathering with friends and family!
- Every year of your life has a corresponding chapter of Tehillim (Psalms). It’s your age plus one (it’s your 21st birthday, say chapter 22). Say it each day in the coming year and learn its meaning.
- Give extra tzedakah (charity).
- Learn some extra Torah, and share it with others.
- [For men} Have an aliyah in synagogue on the Shabbat before your birthday and on your birthday, if that’s possible. For women and boys under barmitzvah age, husbands and fathers should have an aliyah in their merit.
- Take some special time in a quiet place to think about your past year – what was good or difficult, and what resolution will you choose to work on for the coming year.
Since the time of a birthday, the few days before and after, have a special energy and are more open to divine communication. It’s important to be aware of the events happening around you and to ACT, not react to them, particularly on the actual birthdate.
My birthday was 15th Adar, the day after Purim.
I would like to share a personal story from that date this year.
Part of my responsibilities as director of Ascent, is to visit certain dignitaries. This year, on Purim, the day before my birthday, I met with the mayor of Tsfat at the home of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Wilshansky, the head of the Lubavitch yeshiva in Tsfat. I had prepared a “wish list” for the mayor, with some Torah teaching to inspire the mayor to help Ascent.
I assumed, as in previous years, that Rabbi Wilshansky would give over his “wish list” along with an appropriate Torah teaching.
Not at all! That wasn’t the case. He shared with the mayor that, in less than a month, we would be celebrating the 120th birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. 120 is the same number of years that Moshe lived. The level of completing our mission in this world.
He asked the mayor to think of some gifts for the Rebbe that would raise the level of holiness in the city, even though they wouldn’t directly help the yeshiva.
This touched me personally very deeply. That Rabbi Wilshansky put aside his requests in order to promote giving gifts to his Rebbe.
The lesson we learn is that we often gain more by putting aside our personal needs for the needs of the community.
I bless you with many spiritual gifts and meaningful celebrations – including your Pesach seder and the entire festival of redemption.
Wishing you a wonderfully happy and kasher Pesach,
Shaul.