Observe Birthday Customs
In connection with the 7th of Adar, the Rebbe instituted the practice of observing several "Birthday Customs" (listed in the footnote below). Requesting that they be observed and publicized, he also added that these customs "should be followed, for those who so wish, in memory and for the elevation of the Rebbetzin."
The detailed list of Birthday Customs is printed in Sefer HaSichos 5748, p. 374. They include: Being called to the Torah on the Shabbos before or on one's birthday, and on the actual birthday if the Torah is read on that day; increasing in tzedakah before Shacharis and Minchah on the birthday; on a birthday that falls on Shabbos, giving extra tzedakah before and after Shabbos; spending longer and concentrating harder on prayers and Tehillim; meditating on the greatness of the Creator; if possible, reciting at least one book of Tehillim; studying the chapter of Tehillim corresponding to the new age; studying extra Torah—both Chassidus and Nigleh; studying all or part of a Chassidic discourse by heart and reviewing it in a group, either on the birthday or the following Shabbos; spending time on outreach; spending some private time reviewing the past year's conduct, repenting and resolving to improve deficiencies; making resolutions for the coming year; accepting a new act of enhanced observance, etc.; celebrating with family and friends; giving praise to G-d and thanking Him; reciting "Shehecheyanu" on a new fruit.
