To Celebrate or Not? 10 Facts About Birthdays in Judaism

1. The first—and only—birthday mentioned in the Torah is surprisingly that of a non-Jew: "Pharaoh's birthday" (Genesis 40). Therefore, some argue that birthday celebrations are a gentile custom and do not mark this day at all.

2. The reason for not marking the birthday also stems from a debate in the Gemara: whether it is better for a person not to have been created versus having been created. The conclusion is that it is better for a person not to have been created, and thus, many believe there is no reason to celebrate a birthday. Others, on the other hand, argue that since a person has already been created, it is appropriate to celebrate the day they entered the world and can fulfill mitzvahs and good deeds.

3. Conversely, many others do mark this day due to its significance in a person's life. The Jerusalem Talmud states "that on a person's birthday, their luck is strong and good" (Rosh Hashanah, Chapter 3, Law 8). The birthday itself, particularly the day of the week, influences the person's entire life, their nature, and character.

4. The Sages say that a person's birthday is a day when they receive an abundance of life forces each year. In most parts of the world, birthdays are celebrated as lighthearted events, a reason for a party. In Judaism, however, a birthday is considered a serious day, a day for soul-searching. It is the day a person came into the world, making it suitable for a personal self-accounting: Where have they reached until today? What have they done with the abilities they were given? Have they done good in their life, or heaven forbid, the opposite?

5. As also brought in the Chabad customs book: "On one's birthday, a person should seclude themselves, reflect on their memories and conduct, and for those needing correction and repentance—return and make amends."

6. On a birthday, it is advisable for a person to increase good deeds, adding goodness to the world. It's suggested to give charity on this day, and some have the custom to be called to the Torah on their birthday—if it falls on a day when the Torah is read, or otherwise on the Shabbat before the birthday.

7. In Chabad Hasidism, as well as in many other communities, it is customary for a person to say a chapter of Psalms corresponding to their age every day of the year. For example: a person turning 19 will say chapter 20 of Psalms throughout the year since they entered their 20th year. The birthday is when they switch to the next chapter.

8. Special birthdays: Although, as mentioned, there are differing opinions on celebrating a birthday, there are certain birthdays that are clearly marked in all communities. Aside from the birth itself, naturally there's the bar mitzvah day. This is an especially significant day, where a boy enters the world of mitzvot. It is customary to mark this day with a mitzvah feast and especially with the commencement of important mitzvot that the boy can now fulfill, such as joining a minyan, being called to the Torah, and laying tefillin.

9. Another special birthday is the 60th birthday. Many have the custom to celebrate this birthday with a large and joyous banquet, because reaching the age of 60 indicates that one has passed the age of "karet" (i.e., traditionally, one who was sentenced to karet was expected to pass from the world before age 60).

10. In some places, it is customary to fast on one's birthday. Many also complete a tractate of the Talmud on their birthday, and hold a mitzvah feast on the occasion.