Moshe Rabbeinu's special day

 This note is adapted from a piece posted by the OU in 2014.

7 Adar was is the date on which Moshe Rabbeinu was born, and also the day on which he died exactly 120 years later. His burial place is unknown. Linking Jewish present to past, modern day Israel has instituted a public memorial ceremony on this day for Israel Defense Forces soldiers who have not yet been brought to burial (the unknown soldier). This annual memorial takes place at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, Jerusalem.

Some people have the custom of fasting this day and saying a special tikkun for 7 Adar” that is found in some siddurim. This is because the death of a righteous person is regarded as an atonement, as are fasting, repentance and prayer. In a leap year, which contains two Adars, this fast is generally observed the second Adar, while some people fast in the first Adar too.

It is customary in many Jewish communities for the Chevrah Kadisha (burial society) to mark the day by holding a gathering for its members. A festive banquet is held and the entire community participates. The reason for this custom reflects praise upon Israel. Most working people rejoice when work increases, and are saddened when their work diminishes. The Chevrah Kadisha, however, never rejoice in their work for obvious reasons--and in the year of Moshe's death no-one was engaged in his burial, except God in His glory alone.