(Courtesy of Bris Avrohom) As this year is a year of Hakhel, Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky encouraged the community to celebrate their Jewish birthdays by inviting friends and family and making a resolution to strengthen themselves in any area.

Rabbi Kanelsky explained the significance of the Jewish birthday. On the day a person is born, their neshama descends with a mission: to work to make this world a dwelling place for God. Thus, each year, on the date of a person’s birthday, their mazel shines, as it is the day they received their Godly purpose. When one celebrates their Jewish birthday surrounded by friends and relatives, thanks God for granting them life and performs a mitzvah in honor of the day, they glorify God’s name.