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Blessing for the Sun“How much the world has changed since I pronounced this praise for God’s Creation 28 years ago, and how will it look another 28 years from now?”-Rabbi Jacob Ettlinger, Altona, 1841 Birkat Ha-Hammah: The Blessing of the Sun Erev Pesach 5769-April 8, 2009On Wednesday April 8, 2009, the Jewish world will celebrate a unique alignment of ritual moments. In addition to erev Pesah, and thus the siyyum of the Firstborn, April 8 is also the date of Birkat Ha-Hammah (“Blessing of the Sun”) when, once every twenty-eight years, Jews everywhere celebrate the sun’s return to the place in the sky that it occupied at the moment of its creation. In response to this unique moment, the Rabbinical Assembly is publishing two books:Koah Ha-Berakhah: A Guide to Birkat Ha-Hammah, by Rabbi Joseph H. Prouser and Gary H. Kitmacher Click here to order this text. 85 pages; ISBN 978-0-916219-44-4; $7.00 (plus shipping). This siddur features a Hebrew-English prayer service for Birkat Ha-Hammah by Rabbi Joseph Prouser, as well as scientific material prepared by Gary Kitmacher, Manager of Communications for NASA’s International Space Station Program. In addition to the customary liturgy, the siddur includes a twenty-first century analysis of Shmuel’s astronomy, a history of Birkat Ha-Hammah and its observances, as well as selected readings, poetry, and songs. Massekhet Ha-Hammah: “Tractate of the Sun ,” edited and translated by Abe Friedman Click here to order this text. 70 pages; ISBN 978-0-916219-45-1; $7.00 (plus shipping). Published in partnership with a broad coalition of Jewish environmental organizations, the Commission on Social Justice and Public Policy of the Leadership Council of the Conservative Movement (Rabbi Leonard Gordon, chair) this study text draws on two millennia of Jewish thought on the awesome majesty of the sun and other celestial objects. Through its commentary, Massekhet Ha-Hammah demonstrates how classical Jewish texts offer important guidance for contemporary Jews struggling with climate change, resource allocation, and other crucial environmental challenges. The texts are presented in the original Hebrew and Aramaic with a new translation, and the commentary both elucidates the nuances of the text and helps tie the issues raised in the traditional sources to contemporary environmental challenges. A study guide to this Massekhet is available for download. Order FormTo place your order, please print and fill-out the order form. *Books will be shipped after March 2nd.* | |
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