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The Blessing of the Sun : 8-April-2009, Jerusalem - Thousands gathered at the Wailing Wall before dawn awaiting sunrise to recite: "Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the Universe who makes the works of Creation." The Blessing of the Sun, Birkat Hachamah in Hebrew, is recited in Judaism once in twenty-eight years, signifying the sun's location at exactly that of the moment of its creation on a Wednesday morning (Jewish tradition claims the sun was created on the fourth day of creation). The 28-year cycle was calculated in the Babylonian Talmud and it was renewed today. Adding to the excitement is the fact that today is the Eve of the Jewish holiday of Passover celebrating the exodus of the ancient Hebrews, led by Moses, from bondage in Egypt – a sun cycle began on the exact morning of exodus from Egypt somewhere between the years 1200-1500 BCE (exact date is disputed). Much anticipation was evident among the worshippers, men, women and children assembled hours before the big moment. Then, just as the sun became visible to the east, climbing over the Wailing Wall which is the last remaining remnant of the Holy Temple, it triggered great excitement, prayer and song among the crowd.

The Blessing of the Sun

8-April-2009, Jerusalem - Thousands gathered at the Wailing Wall before dawn awaiting sunrise to recite: "Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the Universe who makes the works of Creation." The Blessing of the Sun, Birkat Hachamah in Hebrew, is recited in Judaism once in twenty-eight years, signifying the sun's location at exactly t ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2009 12:21am PST



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