The blessing on the sun should be recited on Wednesday morning, April 8, 2009, after sunrise and before a quarter of the day has elapsed—the earlier the better. If one missed this time, the blessing can be recited until midday.
Click here to find out these exact times for any location.
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 mitzvah.
Make sure to bring along the kids and have them say the blessing. It's a memory for a lifetime!
If possible, try to wear a new garment while reciting the blessing.1
The actual prayer service consists of:
- Psalm 148:1-6.
- The blessing: "Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who reenacts the works of creation."
- The Shehecheyanu blessing.
- Psalm 19.
- Psalm 121.
- Psalm 150.
- A brief section from the Talmud (Brachot 59b), the source of the obligation to recite the blessing on the sun.
- Psalm 67.
- The Aleinu prayer.
- Mourners Kaddish (if there is a minyan present).
Click for the entire text of the Blessing of the Sun in English or Hebrew.
Before reciting the actual blessing on the sun, stand at attention with feet together and look at the sun.2 Do not, however, look at the sun while reciting the blessing.
At the conclusion of the service it is customary for everyone to donate money to charity.3
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