2. Receiving an Aliya:^[1]

In honor of one’s birthday, men above the age of Bar Mitzvah are to receive an Aliyah to the Torah.^[2] One is to receive this Aliyah on the Shabbos preceding the birthday. [One may receive the Aliyah either by Shacharis or Mincha.^[3]] If the birthday falls on a weekday in which the Torah is read, then in addition to receiving an Aliyah on Shabbos one is also to receive an Aliyah on the day of the birthday itself.^[4] 

_________________________________

[1] Minhagei Yom Huledes  in Hisvadyus 1988 vol. 3 p. 152 [146] letter 1; Igros Kodesh 11/355; Sefer Haminhagim p. 186 [English]

[2] The reason: An Aliyah has ability to elevate the soul and draw down higher levels of spirituality to a person. Thus, it is most proper to receive these extra powers on the day of one’s birthday, which is the day that his Mazal shines and is dominant. [See Sefer Haminhagim p. 186 English]

[3] See Hiskashrus 766 footnote 17

[4] So is written in Hisvadyus 1988 vol. 3 p. 152 [146] letter 1 that one is to receive an Aliyah on both the day of the Birthday and the preceding Shabbos; However see Igros Kodesh 11/355 that one is to receive the Aliyah on the birthday itself, and if the Birthday is not on a day of Torah reading, then one is to receive it on the preceding Shabbos. This letter is also recorded in Sefer Haminhagim p. 186 [English], and implies one is not required to receive an Aliyah on both occasions if the birthday falls on a Torah reading, and that the main time to receive the Aliyah is on the day of the actual birthday. Nonetheless, the final custom remains as recorded above from the Sicha of 1988, which was the Rebbe’s final stance on the issue.