"LIVING WITH MOSHIACH,"
25 Adar, 5761
SPECIAL FEATURE:
Celebrate Your Birthday
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"I BELIEVE WITH COMPLETE FAITH IN THE ARRIVAL OF THE MOSHIACH.
"AND THOUGH HE MAY TARRY, I SHALL WAIT EACH DAY, ANTICIPATING HIS
ARRIVAL."
Maimonides, Principles of the Faith, No. 12
THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED
TO THE REBBE,
RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON
OF LUBAVITCH
Click here, to see pictures
of the Rebbe
The Daily Sicha (in Real Audio)
- Listen to selected excerpts of the Rebbe's Sichos
[talks] which are relevant to the particular day.
In honor of the 100th birthday of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the Rebbe's wife,
on Tuesday, Adar 25 (March 20), we are pleased to present, to the
visually impaired and the blind, this special issue of Living With
Moshiach.
*
In this special issue, we focus on the Rebbe's innovative campaign to celebrate
birthdays in the traditional Jewish manner, that the Rebbe initiated on 25
Adar, 5748/1988, in connection with the Rebbetzin's 87th birthday.
*
Our sincere appreciation to
L'Chaim weekly
publication, published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, for allowing
us to use their material.
Also, many thanks to our copy editor, Reb
Mordechai
Staiman, for
his tireless efforts.
*
It is our fervent hope that our learning about Moshiach and the Redemption
will hasten the coming of Moshiach, NOW!
Rabbi Yosef Y. Shagalov,
Administrator,
Committee for the Blind
25 Adar, 5761
100th birthday of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka
Brooklyn, New York
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Reb Avraham ben Reb Pinchos
Tewel
Passed away, on 19 Shevat, 5761
The holiday of Passover, commemorating the liberation of the Jewish people
from Egypt, has often been referred to as the birthday of the Jewish nation.
The prophet Ezekiel expressed this analogy quite graphically: "And as for
your birth, on the day you were born..." Rashi explains that because
the Exodus was seen as the birth of the Jewish people the prophet speaks
metaphorically of the Exodus in the terms of a newborn baby.
For a human being birth is a joyous time. It is a time of fulfillment for
the parents who were blessed with a son or daughter, for the Jewish people
who gained another member, and for the child himself/herself who came into
existence. Therefore, when a person reaches maturity, each year on his/her
birthday, it is appropriate to express gratitude to G-d, the Giver of Life.
Just as the birthday of a people is celebrated each year with rites and a
ritual, so, too, the birthday of an individual Jew should be appropriately
observed. An individual's birthday can be utilized to strengthen and increase
all aspects of Judaism, starting with Jewish studies, prayer and charity.
These good practices should be observed on the birthday and good resolutions
for the future should be accepted.
Most importantly, invite your family and friends for a festive gathering
(to celebrate the mitzvah) on your birthday and the joyous party will
encourage others to accept good resolutions. The happiness that is generated
will imbue your future observance with enthusiasm and zeal.
What is the celebration all about?
Ostensibly, birthdays are quite secular affairs, every person has one once
a year, a day in which his "fortune rises." In fact, in Torah the only birthday
singled out for any mention was Pharaoh's birthday!
Nevertheless, a Jew has the ability to utilize his birthday; instead of letting
it pass as just another day he can make it a holiday with emphasis on more
Torah and mitzvot. One's birthday is a time for reflection, when one
should remember and think about those aspects of his life needing improvement.
Children should be taught the spiritual importance of a birthday and they
should celebrate with their friends in a way that they will increase Torah,
mitzvot, and good resolutions. Small children will be even more impressed
by this suggestion and will be more enthusiastic in carrying it out.
On one's birthday he can rejoice in the knowledge that on this day his soul
descended to the corporeal existence in order to serve the Creator through
Torah and mitzvot. This commemoration crystalizes in the fact that
at the celebration itself there will be more Torah and mitzvot and
more good resolutions for the future. This joyous celebration may be observed
by young and old--for as soon as the child is able to understand and appreciate
the importance of good acts his or her birthday party will become the focal
point for the commemoration of the past and solemnization of the future.
Such a celebration is also connected to the fact that on his 13th birthday
a boy enters the age of maturity and is responsible for observing the 613
mitzvot. The same is true of a girl on her 12th birthday. The assumption
is that this young boy or girl will certainly grow up to fulfill the dictates
of the Torah. Consequently, there is reason to rejoice at the time that he
or she accepts the yoke of mitzvot.
For this reason men and women above bar/bat mitzvah age should see
in their birthday's additional significance: 1) It is the anniversary of
their physical birth; 2) It is the anniversary of maturity, or spiritual
birth.
With this is mind, whether you are 13, 30, or 83 you have a reason to celebrate
your birthday. And at each age you can find satisfaction and growth in becoming
one year older.
This is not a new custom, rather an extension of the responsibility everyone
has to encourage others to increase Torah and mitzvot among friends,
in a happy and friendly way.
If for some reason this was not so common until now, it is needed now, and
as we have seen, it is based on the practices of the great Jewish leaders.
Since the "Exile" is seen as the time of incubation and the "salvation" as
the time of birth, may our good actions on birthdays speedily bring the ultimate
birth of the Jewish people, the true Redemption.
The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of Lubavitch, issued a call that
"The time of our Redemption has arrived!" and "Moshiach is on his
way!"
The Rebbe stressed that he is saying this
as a
prophecy, and asks us all to prepare ourselves for the Redemption,
through increasing acts of goodness and kindness.
Let us all heed the Rebbe's call.
The Birth of Man
For a human being birth is a joyous time. It is a time of fulfillment for
the parents who were blessed with a son or daughter, for the Jewish people
who gained another member, and for the child himself/herself who came into
existence. Therefore, when a person reaches maturity, each year on his/her
birthday, it is appropriate to express gratitude to, the Holy One, Blessed
be He, the Giver of life.
Just as the birthday of a people is celebrated each year with rites and a
ritual, so too, the birthday of an individual Jew should be appropriately
observed. An individual's birthday can be utilized to strengthen and increase
all aspects of Yiddishkeit--Judaism, Torah and mitzvot, starting
with the three pillars which uphold the world: Torah, prayer and charity.
These good practices should be observed on the birthday and good resolutions
for the future should be accepted.
Most importantly, gather your family and friends for a festive gathering
(to celebrate the mitzvah) on your birthday and the joyous party will
encourage others to accept good resolutions--and the happiness that is generated
will imbue your future observance with enthusiasm and zeal.
Happy Birthday!
What is the celebration all about?
Well, fundamentally one should rejoice on a birthday and give thanks and
praise to G-d for giving him life. The birth of a child brings happiness
to the parents, to the Jewish people and to the individual, and for this,
one should give praise. Ostensibly, birthdays are quite secular affairs,
every person (Jew or gentile) has one once a year, in which his "fortune
rises." In fact, in Torah the only birthday singled out for any mention was
Pharaoh's birthday!
Nevertheless, a Jew has the ability to utilize his birthday; instead of letting
it pass as just another day he can make it a holiday with emphasis on more
Torah and mitzvot. One's birthday is a time for reflection, when one
may "remember and think about those aspects of his life which need improvement
and repentance" (HaYom Yom, 11th Nissan). This should be achieved
by increasing Torah and prayer on the birthday, as well as charity and other
mitzvot. Add to this a happy gathering of family and friends with
the goal of accepting good resolutions and the power of the birthday will
guarantee the fulfillment of the good promises in the future.
Birthday Celebrations
The Midrash relates: Most people cherish the day on which they were
born and make a party on that day. The Zohar relates that on the day
of R. Elazar's (Rashbi's--Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai--son's) Bar
Mitzvah, Rashbi made a great celebration. The Zohar further
explains that the day of a Bar Mitzvah is analogous to the joyous
day of a wedding.
The Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, revealed that on a
birthday one should review his life history and seek ways to improve the
areas that need improvement through Teshuvah--Repentance. (Just as
the Exodus was a form of repentance so, too, every birthday must bring
repentance.) It is also customary to increase in tzeddakah--charity
before the morning and afternoon services, and likewise to study more
Torah--revealed and esoteric--on one's birthday.
Birthday--Rebirth--Resolve
It is therefore appropriate to publicize all the good customs of birthdays:
to increase in charity on this day, to study more Torah and to intensify
the Divine service of prayer--these are the three pillars of the world. Also,
good resolutions should be accepted for the rest of the year.
It would be appropriate that families should gather (with friends) in a joyous
mood, so that the good resolutions will be accepted on this day, with a sense
of happiness and gladness. This will increase the observance of these good
deeds.
Children should be taught the spiritual importance of a birthday and they
should celebrate their birthdays with their friends in a way that they will
increase Torah and mitzvot and good resolutions. Small children will
be even more impressed by this suggestion and will be more enthusiastic in
carrying it out.
Now on one's birthday one can rejoice in the knowledge that on this day his
soul descended to the corporeal existence in order to serve the Creator through
Torah and mitzvot. This commemoration crystallizes in the fact that
at the celebration itself there will be more Torah and mitzvot and
more good resolutions for the future. This joyous jubilee may be observed
by young and old--for as soon as the child is able to understand and appreciate
the importance of good acts, his or her birthday party will become the focal
point for commemoration of the past and solemnization of the future.
Anniversary of Physical and Spiritual Birth
Such a celebration in also connected to the fact that on his 13th birthday
a boy enters the age of maturity and is responsible to observe the 613
mitzvot. The same is true of a girl on her 12th birthday. Since every
Jew has the "presumption of righteousness" the assumption is that this young
boy or girl will certainly grow up to fulfill the dictates of the Torah.
Consequently, there is a reason to rejoice at the time he or she accepts
the yoke of mitzvot. As the Shulchan Aruch--Code of Jewish
Law--explains: The consummate indwelling of the holy soul in a person takes
place on the 13th birthday (lit: 13 years and a day) for a male and the 12th
birthday for a female. For this reason they become responsible by Biblical
law to fulfill the mitzvot of the Torah. With this in mind, whether
you are 13, 30 or 83 you have a reason to celebrate your birthday. And at
each age you can find satisfaction and growth when you become one year older.
Why Were You Born?
To Make a Sanctuary!
How do we carry out the command "Make Me a sanctuary" in a way that even
the mundane aspects of a Jew's life will be holy? One suggestion is for every
Jew, man, woman or child to carry out the good custom of celebrating their
birthday in a manner that connects it with Torah and mitzvot.
There is a golden opportunity on a birthday to influence a person to increased
Torah and mitzvot, for it is a time when one's mazal--good
fortune, is strong. The suggestion is directed to everyone, even small children,
and their parents should explain to them that on their birthdays there should
be a renewal of all aspects of good and holiness. A happy celebration should
be organized for the child when he/she and his/her friends will joyously
accept good resolutions in Torah and mitzvot.
Use the birthday as a time to increase goodness and holiness in Torah and
mitzvot. We are at the close of the diaspora and we must finish the
remaining steps of purification of the mundane. A birthday is a plain day--no
holiday--yet it is a day in which one's "fortune ascents." A Jew's inner
spirituality has the power to eclipse his mundanity and he becomes completely
nullified (attached) to the Holy One, Blessed be He.
Just as the birthday of a people is celebrated each year with rites and a
ritual, so, too, the birthday of an individual Jew should be appropriately
observed. An individual's birthday can be utilized to strengthen and increase
all aspects of Judaism, starting with Jewish studies, prayer and charity.
These good practices should be observed on the birthday and good resolutions
for the future should be accepted.
Most importantly, invite your family and friends for a festive gathering
(to celebrate the mitzvah) on your birthday and the joyous party will
encourage others to accept good resolutions. The happiness that is generated
will imbue your future observance with enthusiasm and zeal.
One's birthday is a time for reflection, when one should earnestly remember
and think about those aspects of his or her life needing improvement, and
make good resolutions for the future.
Children should be taught the spiritual importance of a birthday and they
should celebrate with their friends in a way that they will increase Torah,
mitzvot, and good resolutions. Small children will be even more impressed
by this suggestion and will be more enthusiastic in carrying it out.
*
The following are the "Chabad Birthday Customs and
Practices:"(1)
1. It is customary to have an aliya--be called to the Torah, on the
Shabbat preceding your birthday. When the birthday occurs on a day
that the Torah is read you should also be called to the Torah on that day.
2. On your Birthday increase your contribution to tzeddakah--charity
before the morning and afternoon services. When the birthday is on
Shabbat or Yom Tov--give the extra charity before
Shabbat or Yom Tov (preferably--also after).
3. Put more time and effort into your prayer. Pray with greater concentration,
meditate on the greatness of the Creator and put more intensity in your
recitation of Tehillim--Psalms as well. (If possible, read at least
one complete book of Psalms.)
4. Study the psalm which corresponds to your new age, and which you will
be saying daily through the coming year. (E.g. when one reaches the age of
20 he begins reciting Psalm 21.)
5. In addition to your regular, daily Torah study periods--on your birthday
study an extra lesson in the revealed Torah--Nigleh, and the esoteric
teachings--Chasidus. This is in addition to the daily quota of
Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya and Rambam.
6. Study a Chasidic discourse by heart (or at least a part thereof) and review
it in the presence of a group of people on the birthday. This may also be
done at another auspicious time in connection with your birthday; especially
at the Shalosh Seudah--third meal--of the following Shabbat.
7. Reach out to your fellow Jews and teach them Torah and Chasidus,
with true ahavas Yisroel.
8. Isolate yourself in seclusion for a while on the day of your birthday
and retrospectively review your conduct for the past year--see what needs
repentance and improvement, and make good resolutions for the future years.
9. Accept upon yourself some new act of piety or more zealous observance
in some area of action--all within your grasp.
10. Celebrate a happy party with your family and friends in honor of your
birthday--give praise and thanks to the Holy One, Blessed Be He, -- if possible
say the blessing of Shehecheyanu on a new fruit--with happiness and
the joy of a mitzvah.
_______________
1. Adapted from "Sefer Haminhagim"--The Book of Chabad-Lubavitch Customs,
published by Kehot Publication Society, 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY
11213.
Would you consider turning your yard into a petting zoo complete with a camel,
a draft horse, a bull, ponies, two llamas, a yak, a goat, a chicken, a turtle
and a boa constrictor? One grandmother did, for the joint first birthday
celebration of her two granddaughters. The $1,200 price tag included
entertainment, gifts and 102 Dalmations decorations. Or maybe your child
would prefer a catered birthday party with a clown, pony rides, a horse and
a fountain spewing apple juice?
These are just two examples of birthday parties that, as one psychologist
notes, "set up lifelong expectations that might be unrealistic. It is important
on birthdays to help a child avoid valuing materialism over family and friends."
In a drive to reinstate good, old-fashioned values and, at the same time,
keep expenditures down, many parents are opting to get off the birthday bandwagon
while they still can.
So far, so good. But you're probably wondering what birthdays have to do
with Judaism. The notion that there's nothing Jewish about birthdays is so
prevelant that a prominent and knowledgeable Jewish radio show host and writer
recently wrote that there is no inherent meaning in birthdays within Judaism.
Thirteen years ago, the Rebbe initiated an innovative campaign to make birthdays
meaningful for both children and adults. The Rebbe encouraged people
to celebrate their birthdays in the traditional Jewish manner.
Jewish teachings explain that a birthday is a time when mazalo
gover--the particular spiritual source of a person's soul shines most
powerfully. The Divine energy that was present at the time of your birth
is once more present and dynamic on the anniversary of your birth each year.
Therefore, your birthday is a perfect time to enhance the quality of your
life in the year to come. Things you can do on your birthday to get the most
out of your soul-power include spending time in self-evaluation, making a
positive resolution for the coming year, giving charity, studying Torah,
and organizing a birthday party with friends and family. At the gathering
make sure to share with friends some of what you learned on your birthday.
After hearing about the Rebbe's suggestions for birthdays, one public school
teacher was so taken with this meaningful way to celebrate that she incorporated
some of these recommendations into her students' classroom birthday parties.
She asked each child to make a positive resolution and to share with the
other students something meaningful and valuable they had recently learned.
All of us look forward eagerly to the times when we have "good luck." You
might be surprised to know, however, that in fact we have such a day. Our
Sages tell us that on our birthday our luck is dominant.
Thirteen years ago, the Rebbe called upon all of us to utilize this special
day in our lives by making a gathering of family and friends. The Rebbe's
call is in accordance with the Midrash that says, "And we rejoice
on that day and make a celebration." At this celebration--gathering, the
Rebbe suggests we make good decisions, resolutions and commitments for our
New Year.
As to those of us who may be afraid to make new commitments, we can only
offer the following story that the Rebbe once told:
"A man made a commitment to give a sum of money to charity that he simply
could not afford. Yet, after he made the pledge, he found that he was given
new sources of business that hadn't been available to him before. He was
then able to make good on his promise, and, much, much more."
The Rebbe explained that "this man was given new sources because he made
the commitment."
Birthdays are most definitely a proper time to make these new resolutions
and commitments. For, certainly if we make new commitments to increase in
time given to a particular mitzvah, project, or charity, the Al-mighty
will in turn, give us the time, energy, or money needed to fulfill that
commitment.
And, what's more, the Al-mighty will do so "His way," in His bountiful measure
of goodness and kindness.
Our birthday will indeed be our luckiest day of the year!
How will you celebrate your next birthday? Hardly a question you would consider
of deep, religious significance, right! Yet, on a birthday Judaism says there
is a lot to celebrate, even if you have turned thirty-something.
Our Sages tell us that on a birthday our mazal--good fortune, is strong.
Generally, when our fortune is strong, it's a great opportunity to make bold
moves. So why not contemplate some new adventures?
We can use this transitional time to take stock of our achievements to date,
make new beginnings, and accept new commitments for the year ahead.
On the anniversary of our birth, we embark on a New Year, a new stage in
our development. Take advantage of this occasion and arrange a birthday
gathering. But not just your average birthday party with food, drinks and
music--though that, of course, can be a part of the celebration. Spend some
of the time in the company of a few of your closest friends. Be introspective,
explore the state of your spiritual life, and set your Jewish house even
more in order.
Just be sure the party isn't all talk and no action. Start fulfilling some
of the good resolutions you'll probably come up with right there. And do
something practical, like making a contribution to a charitable cause.
* * *
Mr. D. is a highly successful businessman. Like many others, he always thought
birthday parties were only for children.
When he heard, however, that the Rebbe has been encouraging people to make
birthday celebrations, he said to himself, "I'm going to have one. After
all, if I tell my friends the Rebbe is requesting it, they will realize I'm
not expecting presents."
Mr. D. called his friends; they all came, and had a wonderful time. During
the height of the reception, he spoke. He thanked his friends for coming
and then said, "It is customary to bring gifts to a birthday party. I know
that you're all good friends. I know, too, that if I asked you for a birthday
gift, you'd give me whatever I wanted. So, I'm going to take this opportunity
to ask you all for a present."
A heavy silence fell on the room until he began to speak again. "I will ask
each of you to do something good in honor of this day. I will not tell you
what to do; I depend on your good judgment and friendship. I am sure you
will pick something appropriate."
As the guests were leaving, one of them came over to him and said, "This
was the best birthday party I ever attended. It was such a pleasure."
Let us all try to instill the same type of enthusiasm into our birthday
celebrations as Mr. D. did, and certainly then our guests will react in a
similar manner.
By Rabbi Yossi Tewel
It was 1971. My grandmother was in Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn. At the
time we had no experience with hospitals and doctors.
At our annual yechidut--private audience--with the Rebbe, my father
(o.b.m.) handed the Rebbe a note asking, amongst other things, what we could
do for my grandmother. The Rebbe looked at us with a big smile and asked,
"Whose birthday is it today?" No one responded; as far as we knew it wasn't
any family member's birthday. The Rebbe glanced at the note and once more
he asked with a smile, "Whose birthday is it?" Again, no one responded.
The Rebbe then said to my father, "In connection with your mother, there
is a precious young man named Yudel Keller. His father has connections at
Maimonides Hospital. Call him when you leave my office (it was about 2:45
a.m.) and ask him in my name to do the maximum he can."
When we left the yechidut my father did as the Rebbe had said. Then
he thought about the Rebbe's question as to whose birthday it was. What with
the hardships of life in Poland and the Holocaust, he did not know the date
of his Jewish birthday.
The next day, at the hospital, my father asked his mother when he was born.
She said his birthday was the 18th of Av. It should come as no surprise
that that very day was the 18th of Av! My father quickly went back
to "770" (World Lubavitch Headquarters). Before the afternoon prayers, when
the Rebbe saw my father, he smiled broadly. My father said, "Rebbe! I know
whose birthday it is today, mine!" The Rebbe again blessed my father and
encouraged him to fulfill the customs of a Jewish birthday, including having
an aliya, studying extra Torah, giving extra charity, etc.
In 1988 I became involved with various Bikur Cholim organizations
(for the welfare of the sick). I became acquainted with a number of doctors,
including a Jewish doctor who is an authority on radiation oncology. Whenever
we met, Dr. R. always asked me questions about Lubavitch and the Rebbe.
A few years passed. When the Rebbe had a stroke on the 27th of Adar
I, 5752 (March 2, 1992), Dr. R. asked me what would become of the Rebbe's
prophecies. I assured him that whatever the Rebbe said would come true.
Near the end of the summer, I came to Dr. R.'s office to show him an MRI.
I had planned on leaving the test with the secretary and phoning later for
the busy doctor's opinion. I was shocked when the doctor called out, "Tewel,
you're here! I need you!" Dr. R. told his secretaries to hold all calls as
he ushered me into his office. "Tell me about Rabbi Schneerson," he said.
"Is he really as big as they make him out to be?"
"Whatever you've heard about the Rebbe," I told Dr. R., "is just the tip
of the iceberg. But the Rebbe's greatness doesn't come from the fact that
he is a prophet or does miracles. It is much more than that. The word
'Rebbe' stands for 'Rosh B'nei Yisrael'--the head of the Jewish
people...".
Dr. R. asked me to tell him a few miracles of the Rebbe that "defy gravity,"
as the doctor put it. I told him a few stories but I emphasized to Dr. R.
that the Rebbe concerns himself with every Jew. Then I told the doctor about
my father and his birthday.
I explained to Dr. R. that a number of years ago (in 1988), the Rebbe came
out with a campaign to celebrate one's Jewish birthday. I told him that a
birthday is a personal Rosh HaShanah. He asked me if I could tell him when
his Jewish birthday is. "Sure," I said, promptly dialing the number of a
computer program for just that purpose. Moments later I turned to Dr. R.
and said, "Happy birthday. Today, the 13th of Elul, is your Jewish
birthday!"
The doctor was flabbergasted. But he was even more surprised when I abruptly
told him that I had to run to another appointment but would return later.
I called my brother Pinye (Pinchos) and we put together a mini-birthday
farbrengen (gathering). Fifteen minutes later we returned to Dr. R.'s
office. He was delighted and touched when we told him we were going to celebrate
his birthday. The doctor took a yarmulka--skullcap--out of his drawer,
made a blessing on the birthday cake, and we shared Torah thoughts.
Finally, Dr. R. said, "I'll tell you why I asked so many questions about
Rabbi Schneerson. I have a non-Jewish colleague. He called me this morning
at 4 a.m. 'Rabbi Schneerson came to me in a dream,' he told me excitedly.
He related that he had happened upon one of the Rebbe's televised talks.
'I don't understand Yiddish but I was mesmerized by Rabbi Schneerson.
I always watched his televised talks. When I heard that he had a stroke,'
my colleague said, 'I called the Rabbi's office and offered my services.'
"My friend," continued Dr. R., "sent the Rebbe a get-well card and in the
card asked the Rebbe ten questions, both personal and work related. He also
wrote that he hoped that very soon the Rebbe would recover and would be able
to answer the questions. One week passed, two weeks passed, and there was
no response, not even an acknowledgement from the Rebbe's office. My colleague
became very upset.
" 'I was sleeping,' my colleague continued, 'and I dreamt that I saw Rabbi
Schneerson! When he saw me he broke into a beautiful smile. 'Thank you for
your good wishes,' the Rabbi told me. 'There is no reason to be upset.' Then
he started answering my questions one by one. I woke up in a cold sweat.
I remembered every word he said and everything made perfect sense. I couldn't
fall back asleep,' my colleague concluded, 'so I called you.'
"That is why I wanted to speak with you today to find out what you think
about this," Dr. R. told us.
I told the doctor that if his friend had the privilege of communicating with
the Rebbe and of recognizing the Rebbe's greatness, then he had a responsibility
to share his experience with others.
A month later I ran into Dr. R. at a Sukkot fair during the intermediate
days of the holiday. "Yossi, since you told me about the Rebbe I haven't
been the same. Before Rosh HaShanah I bought myself a talit--prayer
shawl--and went to shul on both days. I fasted on Yom Kippur. I bought
a lulav and etrog for Sukkot. And now I've brought my
grandchildren here so they can see thousands of Jews enjoying the festival."
This past year, on the 13th of Elul, my brother and I called Dr. R.'s
office to wish him a happy birthday. "Thank you so much for your good wishes,
how did you remember?" he asked. "How could I forget?" was my response.
Thirty years ago, with a simple question to a simple chosid, the Rebbe
started a chain of events that continues bearing fruit to this day.
The Rebbe's slogan is: "The main thing is the deed." We therefore present
from the Rebbe's talks suggestions what we can do to complete his work of
bringing the Redemption.
Celebrate Your Birthday
This Tuesday, the 25th of Adar (March 20), marks the 100th year since
the birth of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the Rebbe's wife. On this day in 5748/1988,
in connection with her 87th birthday (about a month after her passing, on
22 Shevat), the Rebbe spoke about the significance of birthdays and
the importance of celebrating them by gathering together with friends and
relatives. The Rebbe said:
"A Jew has the ability to utilize his birthday, instead of letting it pass
as just another day, he can make it a holiday with emphasis on more Torah
and mitzvot. One's birthday is a time for reflection, when one may
remember and think about those aspects of his life, which need improvement
and repentance. This should be achieved by increasing Torah and prayer on
the birthday, as well as charity and other mitzvot. Add to this a
happy gathering of family and friends with the goal of accepting good
resolutions, and the power of the birthday will guarantee the fulfillment
of the good promises in the future.
"A birthday is a day in which one's mazal or fortune is strongest.
On one's birthday one can rejoice in the knowledge that on this day his soul
descended to this world in order to serve G-d through Torah and
mitzvot."
*
To find out when your birthday falls on the Jewish calendar, call your local
Chabad-Lubavitch
Center, or clic
here for
a "Hebrew/English Calendar" and type in your civil birthday. You'll be given
the corresponding date on the Jewish calendar and when it occurs this year.
Children can join the
"The
Jewish Birthday Club."
Celebrate your birthday in a traditional Jewish manner, de-emphasizing the
materialism and concentrating instead on family, friends and spiritual growth.
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