Living Torah Archives

When Haman drew lots to choose a month to annihilate the Jews, he was thrilled when it fell on the month of Adar, since 7 Adar is the day of Moses’ passing. Little did Haman know that it was also the day of Moses’ birth, and a source of strength for the Jewish people – as a nation, and as individuals.

The Rebbe addresses the Chasidim on the birthday and Yahrzeit of Moses, the first leader of the Jewish people.

Some melancholy people take issue with celebrating during the first month of Adar. Why argue with those joyless people? The Rema rules, “A cheerful person always celebrates.” If there was room for doubt, “always celebrate.”

The Sages list forty eight qualities that one must possess in order to acquire true Torah knowledge. Among them are: “companionship with colleagues” and “discussion with students.” This means that you cannot be satisfied to be passionate in your own study, rather you must engage everyone you can reach in the excitement of Torah, as well.

The seventh of Adar marks the birth of Moses, which came in the wake of Pharaoh’s decree that all newborn Jewish boys be cast into the Nile. It was not only a decree against the Jews as a whole; it was a decree targeted specifically against Moses himself.

The Talmud relates that Haman cast lots in order to decide which month to implement his evil plot against the Jews. When the lot fell out on the month of Adar he was overjoyed, for Moses, the Redeemer of Israel, passed away on the seventh of Adar. But Haman did not realize that 7 Adar is also Moses’ birthday, and his birthday is a rectification for his passing.

What is the theme of Moses’ life—and of his birthday, the seventh of Adar? Moses is Torah. The entire Torah from beginning to end, even the new Torah insights revealed in subsequent generations, derive from what Moses received at Sinai. So the main thrust and initiative of this day is growth in Torah.