I am under the impression that Facebook caused a renaissance or comeback of “the birthday.” Although many people celebrate their birthdays every year, typically children are the ones that have annual parties, complete with invitations, birthday hats, entertainers and decorated cakes. Adults usually celebrate milestone birthdays and are often more self conscious of their advancing age than joyful about it.
Nowadays I receive daily birthday reminders about all the wonderful people in my life and cheerful encouragement from a sophisticated algorithm to reach out and join the virtual birthday party. I believe this is a positive development and it is connected to the month of Adar.
The Talmud records that when the evil Haman cast lots to determine the most opportune month to destroy the Jewish nation, he was overjoyed when the dice landed on Adar. It was on the seventh day of this month that Moshe, the iconic and legendary Jewish leader passed away. Haman concluded that it was a bad omen for the Jews.
He was unaware that the seventh of Adar was also Moshe’s birthday. Haman’s ignorance was his undoing, because the merit of Moshe’s birth was so strong as to cause the entire month of Adar to be a powerfully auspicious time for the Jews, outweighing any negative effects from his passing. This triggered what the Megillah describes as “Venahafoch Hu” - which literally means “topsy turvy” - the ultimate reversal of fortunes. Haman and his sons were killed and the Jewish people were spared - gaining a major holiday from the whole ordeal.
Moshe was a great leader and the spiritual energy of his birthday was able to affect positive change for his people close to a thousand years after his passing. However, the specialty of a birthday is not reserved for the spiritual elite. The birth of every person marks the beginning of a new divine mission in our universe and the anniversary of that day is cause for celebration.
When a baby is born a new soul begins to shine in the world. As the child develops and matures his or her light shines brighter and clearer. This progression of goodness continues to intensify each passing year, and on the birthday it is especially potent.
This is the reason the Rebbe encouraged everyone to celebrate their birthdays in a meaningful manner. Throughout the day be sure to learn more Torah, say an extra prayer and give more charity. Spend some time alone to reflect on the blessings of the past and make good resolutions from the future. Most importantly, throw a party for friends and family. Include them in your special day as you celebrate the mandate you were granted by G-d to make this world a better place.
Today is the first day of the Jewish month Adar. As we enter this joyful month of Purim, I encourage you to mark your birthday on the calendar as the day you will celebrate in a most meaningful manner. Click here to learn more about Jewish birthday observances.
Samuel H. wrote...