מנהגי יום הולדת והדרכה על תפילין רבינו תם

B"H, 24 Menachem Av, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter in which you inform me about your birthday on Monday, Elul to come: Surely you are aware of the birthday customs—namely, receiving an aliyah to the Torah, giving tzedakah before Shacharis and Minchah, studying a maamar of Chassidus with the intention to repeat at least part of it at the next opportunity in public, reciting Tehillim, etc. May Hashem grant you success to be a chasid, G‑d-fearing, and a scholar.

With blessing.

P.S. Regarding your question about donning Tefillin Rabeinu Tam: this depends on the quantity and quality of your knowledge in the teachings of Chassidus. You should ask your mashpia to write to me about this matter. Surely you are also careful regarding immersion as prescribed by Ezra.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages observing birthday customs and explains that wearing Tefillin Rabeinu Tam is contingent on one’s understanding of Chassidus; he advises consulting a mashpia for personalized guidance.