Questions:
Is there a Jewish way for me to celebrate my birthday?
Answer:
Sure, there's a Jewish way for everything!
Here are some ideas (culled from the teachings of the Rebbe):
Note: All these suggestions should be implemented on your Jewish birthday. Use our Jewish/Civil Date Converter to find out when your Jewish birthday is.
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Giving charity should be a daily event. On your special day increase the amount of your contribution, especially before the day's morning and afternoon prayers. If your birthday falls on Shabbat or a Jewish holiday when handling money is forbidden, give the added charity beforehand and afterwards.
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Spend some extra time praying, focusing on meditating and concentrating on the words of the prayers.
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Say as many Psalms as possible. Ideally you should complete at least once of its five books (Psalms is divided into five books).
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Study the Psalm which corresponds to your new year. This is your age plus one -- e.g. Psalm 25 if this is your 24th birthday. Click here to study it online. This is also the Psalm which you should try to say daily until your next birthday.
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Take some time out to contemplate on your past year. Consider which areas require improvement, and resolve to do so.
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Learn some extra Torah on this day.
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Study a Chassidic idea and repeat it at a gathering in honor of your birthday. Follow the following links for Short Insights, or some Essays.
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Partake of a new fruit which you did not yet taste during this season and recite the Shehecheyanu blessing.
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Take the time to teach another something about Torah and Judaism.
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Commit yourself to doing a particular good deed. Choose something practical and doable! Click here for some ideas.
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Men and boys over the age of thirteen: On the Shabbat beforehand, get an aliyah in the synagogue. If the birthday falls on a day when the Torah is read, be sure to receive an aliyah on that day too.
Click here for more information on birthdays.
Have a happy and meaningful birthday!
