* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
Today we mark the seventh day of Adar. Here are five points to remember about this date, which is of even greater significance this year.
1) First, today is Moshe Rabbeinu’s birthday as well as the date of his death. The exact place of his burial is unknown.
2) The seventh of Adar has been designated for all those whose date and place of death is unknown, any person who was not given a Jewish burial. To our great sorrow, there are so many more names to remember this year. Only a few days ago, Yael Adar, the mother of Tamir Adar whose body is still being held in Gaza, wrote to me about raising awareness about this terrible situation. Today is the annual day set aside to remember these tragedies.
3) It is customary to commemorate the deceased by praying, learning Torah, and lighting a yahrzeit candle.
4) Over the years, this has also become a special day for the Chevra Kadisha. Some members of this group (who are involved in preparing the deceased for burial) have taken on the custom of fasting on this day. We have an even deeper appreciation this year for this incredible group of people who devote themselves to performing this heartbreaking and holy task. On October 7, our enemies wanted to destroy and desecrate their victims, and this group worked so hard to restore their dignity.
5) This year, we can look back thousands of years and think about Moshe’s story, his long journey. Was Moshe able to accomplish his life’s mission? Indeed, he has —but through us. Many of his prophecies have come true, but there have also been painful setbacks along the way. He led us for 40 years in the desert but never merited entering the Land of Israel. We, who have the great merit of living in the Promised Land, are fulfilling his dream.
In his memory and in memory of so many beloved others, and with the fervent hope that this Adar will be transformed into a month of joy and “besorot tovot” (good news).
