Devar/5768/Vayeshev
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And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday… (Gen 40:20)
In the entire Bible, "birthday" as a celebration is only mentioned here. Idolaters had the custom to celebrate the day on which they were born, and to worship their gods and therefore the Rambam writes in connection with conducting business with Gentiles: …but a Gentile who makes a celebration for himself, and thanks his gods, and worships them on the day he was born, … and all similar cases -- it is not forbidden (to conduct business with him) except for that specific day, and that specific man. (Laws of Idolatry 9:5). And to us, the Children of Israel, Solomon said in his wisdom: A good name is better than precious oil; and the day of death than the day of one's birth (Ecc 7:1). It sounds depressing, but we need to understand the difference between these two approaches.
When Pharaoh celebrated his birthday, he only did it to glorify himself, to show his strength and power. A proof of this, is that on that very day he freed his cupbearer and restored him to his previous glory, whereas he hanged his baker and sent him to perdition. That is to say there is no power above him, and he is the one who kills and brings to life. And it is known that in Egypt, Pharaoh was considered a god, and was even worshiped.
By contrast, we know that mankind is not the ultimate end of Creation, and the master of the universe - rather the Holy One, blessed is He, alone - and only He is worthy of thanks, praise and glory. King Solomon's statement comes to tell us that our end is to inherit the World to Come, which is all good; and (therefore) what benefit is there to years on the Earth unless they come with the fulfillment of mitsvot? That is to say, years in and of themselves, just like physical health, are not a goal unto themselves, and are not worth celebration in and of themselves.
If one takes stock of himself on his birthday, and meditates on his impending end, and looks to see how he can improve his deeds, that is praiseworthy. But if he fills that day with laughter and idle things, and behaves like the other nations, that is indecent.
May you merit many years, filled with achievements in Torah!
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