Question:
Good day,
So far the question was not found by me in the archive.
Traditionally Birthday wasn't celebrated.
Nowadays...
Isn't partying birthday only hedonistic?
sincerely
Answer:
You are right. Some of the practices done at birthday parties are hedonistic see https://dinonline.org/2017/10/01/blowing-out-candles-on-a-birthday-cake/ . However celebrating a person’s birthday, is a matter of controversy. There were gedolim who did celebrate their birthdays, and other that didn’t. ( See sources) However to eat a meal as a sign of thanks to H-shem for giving him life, is a good thing, especially when the person reaches 60 or 70, (which shows that the person was not chayiv karet).This should be done in private without making a big fanfare about it. Aside from this it is a day to thank H-shem for giving us life, a day to give tzedakah, etc. Another point regarding a person’s birthday is that the person’s mazal is strong on that day.
Sources:
Metzudas David Hoshia 7-5, Midrash Sechel Tov Vayeshev 40-20, Ish Chai Re'a 9, 17. Shut Ksav Sofer Y:D 148, Levush Yosef pg.353, Sefer Hazikaromn Zichron Shomo pg. 190-220, Ohr Yisroel 24 pg. 175-196. Halachically Speaking 9-11.
