7th Adar certainly the day of Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses)

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The Seventh of Adar: A Day of Significance in Jewish Tradition

In Jewish tradition, the seventh day of Adar, known as Zayin Adar, holds profound significance as it marks both the birthday and the day of passing of Moses, one of the most revered figures in Jewish history. This dual commemoration is deeply rooted in biblical and Talmudic sources, making it a day of reflection, fasting, and remembrance for many Jewish communities.

Background and Significance

Moses is celebrated as the greatest prophet in Jewish tradition, leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and receiving the Torah from God on Mount Sinai. His life spanned 120 years, from his birth in Egypt to his death in the Plains of Moab, just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land.

The date of Moses’ birth and death is derived from biblical narratives. According to Deuteronomy 34:8, the Israelites mourned Moses for thirty days after his death. The book of Joshua begins with God’s command to cross the Jordan River, which was given three days before the actual crossing on the tenth of Nisan. Subtracting these periods from the tenth of Nisan leads to the conclusion that Moses died on the seventh of Adar12.

Practices and Observances

In some Jewish communities, the Seventh of Adar is observed as a fast day, accompanied by special prayers and a tikkun (a ritual of study and prayer) before services. Jewish burial societies often meet on this day as well1. In Israel, it is also a day to remember soldiers whose bodies have not been found or identified, symbolically linking to the unknown burial place of Moses1.

In Oriental communities, the Seventh of Adar was traditionally a day of fasting and prayer, with the belief that a spark of Moses’ soul resides in every righteous person. In medieval Egypt, it was a central event in the community’s life, with celebrations and prayers at the ancient synagogue in Dumuh near Cairo3.

Spiritual Significance

The coincidence of Moses’ birth and death on the same day is seen as a testament to his righteousness. Jewish tradition teaches that righteous individuals often die on their birthdays, a phenomenon observed with other biblical figures like the patriarchs and King David6.

The Seventh of Adar often coincides with the Torah portion of Tetzaveh, which is notable for not mentioning Moses by name. This omission is interpreted as a sign of mourning for his passing, yet his presence is felt throughout the parshah as the recipient of God’s instructions48.

Conclusion

The Seventh of Adar stands as a powerful spiritual day in Jewish tradition, commemorating the life and legacy of Moses. It serves as a reminder of his enduring impact on Jewish history and faith, and his role as a symbol of leadership, wisdom, and divine connection. Whether observed through fasting, prayer, or reflection, this day invites Jews around the world to connect with their heritage and honor the memory of one of their greatest leaders.

Citations:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh_of_Adar
2. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/612209/jewish/How-Do-We-Know-When-Moses-Died.htm
3. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/adar-seventh
4. https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/today-is-a-powerful-spiritual-day-adar-7-parsha-tetzaveh/
5. https://www.morasha.com.br/en/curiosities/The-7th-of-Adar-is-the-birthday-and-death-date-of-Moshaa-and-the-prophet-Moses-who-was-the.html
6. https://njop.org/the-birth-and-death-of-moses-2/
7. https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/383218
8. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/5396476/jewish/The-Birth-and-Death-of-Moses.htm