Mussia Landa, daughter of Rabbi Chaim and Bassy Landa, of St. Charles County recently celebrated her third (Jewish) birthday, which marked a special milestone: she began lighting her very own Shabbat candle.

Mussia is named for Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka (Moussia) Schneerson, of righteous memory, an extraordinary Jewish woman who – despite being the wife of the Rebbe Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory – led an intensely private life.

The Rebbe encouraged all Jewish girls to light their own Shabbat and holiday candles, with the assistance of their parents, a custom now widely observed in all segments of the Jewish community.

The birthday celebration included the giving of extra charity, reciting passages of Torah, increasing in good deeds, visiting the Rebbe’s resting place in Queens, New York, among other birthday traditions. A special mazal tov to her grandparents, Rabbi Yosef and Shiffy Landa, of St. Louis County.