7th of Adar Explained: The Spiritual Power of Moses’ Birth and Passing

The 7th of Adar is the day marking both the birth and passing of Moses. Following are several insights into the significance of this day

1. A Day for Awakening to Repentance

The 7th of Adar marks the birth and passing of the first leader of the Jewish people, Moses. It is a day especially suited for spiritual elevation and strengthening in Torah. Therefore, many Jewish communities use this day for introspection and sincere repentance before God. In works such as Chatam Sofer and Ya’arot Devash, it is noted that rabbis would deliver powerful ethical teachings and rebuke on this day to inspire the people.

2. Future Redemption Through Moses — With a Condition

The Chaim ibn Attar explains the verse (Exodus 27:20), “And you shall command the Children of Israel… to bring pure olive oil,” as an allusion based on the Zohar, that the future redemption will come through Moses. However, this is conditional upon Israel engaging in Torah study, the Torah that was given through Moses at Sinai.

3. The Merit of Torah Will Bring Redemption

The Zohar teaches (paraphrased): Rabbi Yossi ben Chalafta asked why the coming of the Messiah is delayed. The answer: it is due to neglect of Torah study. The Jewish people were redeemed from previous exiles in the merit of the Patriarchs, but the final redemption will come in the merit of Moses.

4. Redemption Depends on Torah Study

The Zohar further explains that exile came because of abandoning the Torah (Jeremiah 9:12). God says: just as earlier redemptions came through the merit of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, so too this redemption will come when the people return to Torah study — through the merit of Moses.

5. Poverty as a Result of Neglecting Torah

The Zohar explains that poverty among the Jewish people stems from neglecting Torah and mitzvot. The verse “The Torah that Moses commanded us is an inheritance” can also be interpreted as “inheritance of poverty” when Torah is not upheld — highlighting the consequences of spiritual neglect.

6. Moses Does Not Redeem Those Who Abandon Torah

The Or HaChaim summarizes: the exile continues because as long as people do not engage in Torah and mitzvot, Moses does not wish to redeem a people who are spiritually idle.

7. Moses Will Lead in the Future

The Or HaChaim interprets “And you shall command” as a hint to kingship — indicating that Moses will have a role in future leadership. The Zohar also teaches that just as Moses redeemed the Jewish people in the past, he will redeem them again in the future.

Although scripture states that the Messiah will come from the line of King David, the explanation given is that the Messiah will embody both the soul of David and the soul of Moses, which is a concept also discussed by the Arizal.

8. Torah Study Must Be Pure

The verse continues: “They shall bring you pure olive oil” which symbolizes Torah study that is pure and refined. This means learning Torah for its own sake, not for honor, argument, or personal gain.

9. Dedication and Sacrifice in Torah

Another condition is expressed in the phrase “crushed for illumination” teaching that one must invest effort and even self-sacrifice in Torah study. As the Sages say: “Torah is only sustained by one who dedicates themselves fully to it.”

10. Moses’ Personal Sacrifice for Torah

Moses himself told the Jewish people how much he endured for Torah — forty days and nights without food or drink, standing among angels and heavenly beings. He gave of himself completely to receive the Torah, and he urged the people to learn and teach it with the same dedication.

From these teachings, it is clear that the 7th of Adar is a powerful day for strengthening one’s commitment to Torah. By renewing our dedication, we align ourselves with the merit of Moses and move closer to the final redemption.