Why do we Jews tend not to celebrate birthdays within the litany of days we set aside to commemorate special events ? Perhaps because birthdays are not a significant milestone of accomplishment. I understand the sentiment but it’s still nice to wished a ‘happy’ anything with a smile. 😊
I actually have an entire future post about why I think people shouldn't celebrate birthdays, and as you can imagine, I have strong opinions on the matter. A person does not choose to be born. In fact, the Talmud said it would be better for man to have not been created, but now that he's created, he should be careful in his actions.
In the Bible, only Pharaoh celebrates his birthday, and he ended up killing someone. When a person is born, it's like a boat setting out to sea - people cheer as it departs. People don't cheer the boat coming back completing its mission, but that's what we should really cheer: the choices we make in life.
Look forward to reading the post ! However (please excuse me if I ramble) the Talmud actually states it would have been more ‘pleasant’ had man not been created and concludes that now that he has he should delve into his actions…
Agreed on our celebrating our choices - that is what molds us into who we are. By the way we do in fact celebrate one Birthday religiously every year: Rosh HaShanah. 😊
Why do we Jews tend not to celebrate birthdays within the litany of days we set aside to commemorate special events ? Perhaps because birthdays are not a significant milestone of accomplishment. I understand the sentiment but it’s still nice to wished a ‘happy’ anything with a smile. 😊
Birthdays
I actually have an entire future post about why I think people shouldn't celebrate birthdays, and as you can imagine, I have strong opinions on the matter. A person does not choose to be born. In fact, the Talmud said it would be better for man to have not been created, but now that he's created, he should be careful in his actions.
In the Bible, only Pharaoh celebrates his birthday, and he ended up killing someone. When a person is born, it's like a boat setting out to sea - people cheer as it departs. People don't cheer the boat coming back completing its mission, but that's what we should really cheer: the choices we make in life.
Look forward to reading the post ! However (please excuse me if I ramble) the Talmud actually states it would have been more ‘pleasant’ had man not been created and concludes that now that he has he should delve into his actions…
Agreed on our celebrating our choices - that is what molds us into who we are. By the way we do in fact celebrate one Birthday religiously every year: Rosh HaShanah. 😊
It says טוב not pleasant! And there are 4 Talmudic birthdays, none for people!
The word in Eruvin 23b I think is נוח if I’m not mistaken
And you’re correct there are no ‘people’ birthdays. Will wait to read your post. 😊
You're right. I'm wrong.
You’re not wrong I’m not right
We are people
We are both learning
Shavua Tov
You saw my post on birthdays. I sort of enjoy them, for no other reason than we get to eat red gummy bears. Still, עד מאה ועשרים
Thanks. I did see it, great post
Wishing my children a happy birthday is an expression of my love and happiness that they are thriving in our world.
That's very sweet!
So just to be clear, you want me to say "Happy Birthday?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
I'll give you a warning because I like you!
😅
What a Great Post this is!!!
Thanks Rachel!