|
«
 |
»
|
Bless the Sun!
2009.04.12
In spite of early morning clouds, a beautiful and warm sun appeared. We met near a 500 year old oak tree in the park.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This was an opportunity for a young man in mourning to recite Kaddish.
|
Sunny smiles
|
|
|
This year, for the 3rd time in the history of the world, Birchas HaChamah fell on Erev Pesach, when firstborn males need to fast, unless they are exempted by hearing the completion of a tractate of Talmud. My son Schneur, who is hoping to complete learning the entire Talmud in 3 years, made a "siyum" on the last tractate he completed, thus exempting the firstborns, like the young man to his right.
|
|
Schneur being interviewed by TV reporter.
|
Birkas HaChamah
Thank G‑d for the Sun!
One who sees the sun at its turning point should say, "Blessed is He who reenacts the works of Creation."—Talmud, Berachos 59b.
Every 28 years the sun returns to the exact position, at the same time of the week, that it occupied at the time of its creation—at the beginning of the fourth day of creation. A special blessing – called Birkas HaChamah, "the sun blessing" – is recited by Jewish people to mark this event.
This year we performed this special commandment on the morning of April 8 (the morning before Passover).
The existence of nearly all life on Earth is fueled by light from the sun. Every morning without fail, the sun rises in the east and bathes us with its sustaining rays, causing flora to grow and, through the process of photosynthesis, providing oxygen for all fauna.
The blessing should be recited outdoors, amidst a grand gathering of men, women and children. Some may call this phenomenon nature.
We gathered on April 8th and declared otherwise:
"Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who reenacts the works of creation."
Ideally, the blessing should be recited outdoors after the morning prayers, amidst a grand gathering of men, women and children—as befits the excitement accompanying the fulfillment of such a rare opportunity. It's a memory for a lifetime!
The blessing is traditionally preceded and followed by a short selection of Psalms and prayers. Before reciting the actual blessing on the sun, we stand at attention with feet together and look at the sunmomentarily, but not while saying the blessing, so that it should not appear that we are worshipping the sun, but rather its Maker.
Thank G‑d for the Sun!
One who sees the sun at its turning point should say, "Blessed is He who reenacts the works of Creation."—Talmud, Berachos 59b.
Every 28 years the sun returns to the exact position, at the same time of the week, that it occupied at the time of its creation—at the beginning of the fourth day of creation. A special blessing – called Birkas HaChamah, "the sun blessing" – is recited by Jewish people to mark this event.
This year we performed this special commandment on the morning of April 8 (the morning before Passover).
The existence of nearly all life on Earth is fueled by light from the sun. Every morning without fail, the sun rises in the east and bathes us with its sustaining rays, causing flora to grow and, through the process of photosynthesis, providing oxygen for all fauna.
The blessing should be recited outdoors, amidst a grand gathering of men, women and children. Some may call this phenomenon nature.
We gathered on April 8th and declared otherwise:
"Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who reenacts the works of creation."
Ideally, the blessing should be recited outdoors after the morning prayers, amidst a grand gathering of men, women and children—as befits the excitement accompanying the fulfillment of such a rare opportunity. It's a memory for a lifetime!
The blessing is traditionally preceded and followed by a short selection of Psalms and prayers. Before reciting the actual blessing on the sun, we stand at attention with feet together and look at the sunmomentarily, but not while saying the blessing, so that it should not appear that we are worshipping the sun, but rather its Maker.
9
Comments
 |
Lovely post, Thank you for sharing :))
relee · 2009-04-12: 10:04
|
 |
Thanks for sharing this great moment with as. :o)
Ryana · 2009-04-12: 11:11
|
 |
Wonderful shots! Interesting information about your traditions - thanks for sharing!
lookagain · 2009-04-12: 15:08
|
 |
1st one is wonderful
Zsofikabarcz · 2009-04-16: 05:16
|
 |
Very nice:)
erzsok · 2009-04-16: 16:45
|
|
|
Great photos. Thank you and warmest regards and love from very SUNNY Netanya, Israel, Avraham, Judy, and Daniel Yitzchak Sellem
Judy Sellem · 2009-04-18: 16:03
|
 |
Wonderful photos!
avalon · 2009-04-20: 14:02
|
|
|
I thought this blog is for nice Pictures ? why did you put the 1st picture of me ? the rest is verry nice and to all you out there who have not been to ukraine come before its too late
Chaim · 2009-04-22: 05:26
|
|
|
Nice work!
????? · 2009-04-26: 11:05
|
You must be logged in to comment!
|
«
|
»
|
© 2012