Rebbetzin Chaya Mushkah was born on Shabbos, the 25th of Adar, in Babinovich, a town near the Russian city of Lubavitch, in the year 5661 (1901). In an address delivered on the 25 of Adar of 5748 (1988), the Rebbetzin's 87th birthday, and about a month after her passing, the Rebbe initiated the international birthday campaign in her memory, urging people to celebrate their birthdays and utilize the day as a time of introspection and making resolutions involving an increase in good deeds:
“A suggestion: “It would be the greatest Zechus for the Neshama [of the Rebbetzin]; in connection with her Neshama and its elevation, we should institute that all Yidden begin celebrating their birthdays...” (25 Adar 5748).
The Jewish Birthday Chabad.org Minisite
MIVTZA LAUNCH
Following the Histalkus of the Rebbetzin on Chof-Beis Shevat 5748, the Rebbe Davened during the week in his home on President Street throughout the Shnas Ha’Aveilus. On Chof-Hei Adar, the Rebbetzin’s 87th birthday, several minutes after the conclusion of Shacharis, the Rebbe suddenly descended from the second floor and approached his Shtender to say a Sicha. This came as an absolute surprise to everyone present.
Continuing the theme of "V'Hachai Yitein El Libo" that the Rebbe had emphasized since the Histalkus, the Rebbe suggested that in connection with the Rebbetzin’s birthday it was appropriate to focus on the Minhagim of Yom Huledes and to share them with Klal Yisrael. The Rebbe added that doing so “will be the greatest Zechus for the Neshama (of the Rebbetzin).”
Sicha Chof Hei Adar 5748 | Audio | Subtitled Video | English | Yuman
Shortly thereafter, a detailed list of ten Minhagei Yom Huledes, compiled from the Rebbe’s Sichos and letters, was edited by the Rebbe and publicized. Thus Mivtza Yom Huledes was born.
OTHER SICHOS
Acharon Shel Pesach 5748 | Minhogei Yom Huledes
A Collection of Letters About a Birthday
A Birthday Meditation 10 Nissan 5743
A New Day 18 Elul 5742
Constant Growth 11 Nissan 5742
Celebrate with Humility 11 Nissan 5745
The Idea of a Yom Huledes based on Chazal and our Rebbeim, By Rabbi Michoel Seligson
The Jewish view on Celebrating Birthdays - By Rabbi Mendel Kaplan
Reflections on "Hayom Yom": Nissan 11 - Meaningful reflection on your birthday - With Moshe Steiner
The Significance of Your Jewish Birthday - Aaron L. Raskin
LIVING TORAH
A Birthday Meditation 10 Nissan 5743
A New Day 18 Elul 5742
Constant Growth 11 Nissan 5742
Celebrate with Humility 11 Nissan 5745
Cause for Celebration - Collage - Make a gathering; a party in honor of your birthday, and make it large. Remember to give tzedaka at your time of celebration.
Happy Birthday! Collage - Children receive dollars from the Rebbe to be given to charity in honor of their birthdays
CHASSIDIM FARBRENG
Chof Hei Adar - Reb Shmuel Lew
Webinar 25 Adar; serving royalty - Rabbi Pesac Sperlin
25 Adar - Rebbetzins Birthday short thought - Rabbi Paltiel
Hebrew
Personal and Public; Mivtza Yom Huledes
Saying the Rebbeztin's Kapitel
KIDS: Chof Hei Adar - Shlucim Office
Mivtsa Yom Huledes 30ème anniversaire - Derher Français
