Today is my twentieth birthday. I’ve always learned that it is a significant time. What exactly is the significance of this day and what, if anything, should one specifically do on their birthday in general?
Hi,
Thanks for asking the question. First, “Happy birthday!” A person’s birthday is in fact a very special time because the rabbis teach us that we have mazal, luck, on this day. It is nice to celebrate it. Also, we are one year wiser and one year closer to Hashem. There is a lot to celebrate. In terms of the 20th birthday being a significant one, it is true that in the spiritual sense you are fully liable and are also able to serve in the army makes you a Jewish male with all of the rewards and difficulties that this responsibility implies. At a bar-mitzvah a person becomes obligated to Mitzvos, but you are not completely liable for your actions until later.
Also, a 13 year old could not serve in the army because there needs to be a certain maturity that an adult (by years) has, while a 13 year old is lacking that emotional development.
Again, happy birthday and may your commitment to yourself this year be one of growth and development.
Be Well,
Rabbi Gershon Litt