Articles and Insights on Jewish Birthdays

You existed before you were born, and you're not going to be doing anything useful for a while; so what, exactly, are we celebrating?

Is a birthday the day we were born, or the day we were created? Is there a difference between the two? Also, why celebrate a milestone which tells us that we have less time left to live and enjoy?!

It is good to be thankful for what you have in life and what you have accomplished. But open your eyes to the larger picture. If we are to appreciate the fruits of life, we must first appreciate the tree that bears the fruit: birth itself.

My parents say that I was an "accident." Is there any meaning in celebrating the day that I wasn't really supposed to have been born on?

Is there a Jewish way for me to celebrate my birthday?

Far from considering it incidental, Jewish tradition regards one's Jewish birthday to be brimming with meaning and relevance

The Talmud teaches that on one’s birthday our mazal, good fortune, is dominant and empowered; learn more about the message of our Jewish birthday.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe strongly encouraged the celebration of one’s Jewish birthday. Discover the importance and source for this special custom.

My father-in-law, the Rebbe, taught that a birthday is a time for introspection – to take the purpose of one’s life to heart and make resolutions for the future. It is a most propitious time, for on one’s birthday his ‘Mazel’ – his ‘fortune,’ radiates with extra strength.

One should always begin to implement birthday resolutions on the birthday itself. And for best results, include your family when you make the resolutions, so they can help you and offer feedback on your progress.

My father-in-law, the Rebbe, writes that on one’s birthday one should recall and contemplate his past experiences and make resolutions to improve for the future. But if it is called a “birthday” one must also contemplate the very concept of birth.

Children receive dollars from the Rebbe to be given to charity in honor of their birthdays.

Listen to this fun children’s song and learn what Jewish birthdays are all about.