Living Torah Archives

Before birth, your soul may have basked in the glory of G-d and the Torah, but only in this world can you utilize your individuality to master Torah with your own abilities. In truth, we must always be mindful of this, and approach each day as a new birth. But on a person’s birthday, this lesson is ever more potent.

In 1988, one month after the passing of his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the Rebbe launched the Birthday Campaign in her memory. At a farbrengen marking his own birthday in 1983, the Rebbe explained the significance of the occasion.

The Previous Rebbe taught that a birthday is a time for introspection, a time to account for the past 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.

Make a gathering; a party in honor of your birthday, and make it large. Remember to give tzedaka at your time of celebration.

Arrogance is the root of all undesirable traits. How, then, can we allow people to gather here in order to honor an individual?

Chasidim bless the Rebbe on his 86th birthday.

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.

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.

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

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.

The publisher of Lifestyles magazine asks for a message for the world, in honor of the Rebbe’s 90th birthday: “The number 90 in Hebrew is “Tzaddik.” Every person, both Jew and non-Jew, must become a true Tzaddik, a righteous person.

The United States prides itself on its work ethic. Yet, somehow, it has cultivated the idea that one’s useful work life is over by age fifty or sixty. When one is no longer as strong and energetic, one is given the right to decrease in the activities relevant to his mission in life. The Torah instructs us that as long as we are alive, our mission is alive and we must do no less than previously.

Adults and children wish the Rebbe a long life, a happy Passover and a happy birthday!