The Blessing of the Sun
FEBRUARY 2009 – Every 28 years, the Jewish community celebrates the return of the sun to its original place in the heavens at the precise time and day of its creation. This celebration is called birchat hachammah – blessing of the sun.
The next time when we we mark this moment is April 8, 2009, which also happens to be erev Pesach and thus the siyyum of the firstborn.
In response to this unique moment, and in partnership with a broad coalition of Jewish environmental organizations, the Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism’s Commission on Social Justice and Public Policy produced a new study text, Massekhet HaHammah (Tractate of the Sun). Massekhet HaHammah draws on two millennia of Jewish thought on the awesome majesty of the sun and other celestial objects. Through its commentary, Massekhet HaHammah demonstrates how classical Jewish texts offer important guidance for contemporary Jews struggling with climate change, resource allocation, and other crucial environmental challenges.
In bringing together diverse texts from all periods of the Jewish tradition, Massekhet HaHammah offers a fresh look at Jewish attitudes toward the sun, moon, and stars, and the mysteries of creation. Through diverse topics such as the dynamics of power between human beings and the heavenly lights, astrology and omens, and return and redemption, Massekhet HaHammah enables learners to reflect on the natural world and their place in it. 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.
Massekhet HaHammah is available on the web at Ritual Well along with a study guide designed for educated laypeople and many other relevant links. Bless The Sun, also has links to many other interesting documents and projects, including Massekhet HaHammah. The Rabbinical Assembly also offers texts helping readers understand and celebrate birchat hachamah.
Children between the ages of 9 and 12 can learn about birchat hachamah by reading The Sun's Special Blessing, a book by Jewish educator Sandy Wasserman, illustrated with papercuts by Ann D. Koffsky.
