Birkat HaChamah

Birkat Hachamah (Blessing on the Sun): The existence of nearly all life on Earth is fueled by light from the sun. Some may call this phenomenon nature. We will gather on April 8th, 2009, and declare otherwise.

Nearly all life is fueled by sunlight. It bathes us with its sustaining rays, causing flora to grow and providing oxygen for all fauna. Some may call this nature. We will gather and declare otherwise...

“The Lord G-d is a sun and a shield.” “The Jewish people are likened to the moon.” The union between man and G-d is formed when a person makes himself a “small luminary,” a reflection of G-d.

From the perspective of Kabbalah, we will examine the inner meaning of the custom of the blessing of the sun and reflect upon its relevance within the framework of current events in the world today.

Just as He placed the sun exactly where it needs to be-a little closer and our world would burn, a little further and we would freeze, so, too, He created each of us perfectly. Acceptance of our own essence is a hallmark of recovery.

Question: I understand that the blessing on the sun is to be recited every 28 years in a cycle that begins with the creation of the universe. If so, why is 5769—this years' Jewish year—not divisible by 28? Response: You are correct, if you divide 5769 by ...

Birchas Hachama — the Blessing of the Sun at 770 in 1981.

Every 28 years the sun returns to the same position, at the same time of the week, that it occupied at the time of its creation. A special blessing, "the sun blessing" is recited to mark this event.

Make sure to bring along the kids and have them say the blessing. It's a memory for a lifetime!

Why every 28th year? How does this relate to the equinox? The detailed calculations and explanations.