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Manhattan NY - A Jewish Holiday, Once Every 28 Years |
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News Source: The NY Times
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On the morning of April 8, 1981, without doubt another Wednesday, Mr. Bleich climbed to the roof of a converted brownstone that doubled as a small synagogue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. By then, at age 44, he was a rabbi and a professor at Yeshiva University, and he had dozens of contemporaries beside him atop the building, all taking note of the especially brilliant day.
Rabbi Bleich remembers these stray days so precisely because of what he was doing on each one: paying homage to God as creator of the universe. Those April 8’s, like the April 8 that arrives next week, marked the holiday of Birchat HaChammah, named for the blessing of the sun that is recited after daybreak by observant Jews.
According to the celestial calculations of a Talmudic sage named Shmuel, at the outset of spring every 28 years, the sun moves into the same place in the sky at the same time and on the same day of the week as it did when God made it. This charged moment provides the occasion for reciting a one-line blessing of God, “who makes the work of creation.”
The astronomical metrics of Shmuel are by now considered inexact, but close enough so that the religious tradition persists, so that Jews like Rabbi Bleich believe that the sun next Wednesday occupies the same location in the firmament as it did when it was formed on the fourth day of Creation, which would have been Wednesday, March 26, of the Hebrew year 1, otherwise known as 3760 B.C.
While Birchat HaChammah is intermittent, Rabbi Bleich’s interest in it is constant. He stands as one of the worldwide authorities on the blessing and holiday, the author of the definitive English-language book on the subject, “Bircas HaChammah.” (Transliteration of Hebrew is more inexact than Shmuel’s astronomy.)
“You’ve got to understand that the closest thing the Jews have to sacrament is study,” Rabbi Bleich, 72, said in an interview. “It’s an end in itself, and the more esoteric the better. The fact it occurs only every 28 years doesn’t make it any less relevant. It also means that as a scholar, you don’t have as much competition.”
Self-effacing humor aside, Rabbi Bleich has inadvertently caught a cultural wave. A man who proudly eschews the computer, relies on his secretary to print out e-mail for him, and still owns and uses a rotary phone, he has seen Birchat HaChammah catch on more widely among American Jews than ever in his memory.
Published by the ArtScroll/Mesorah imprint, a juggernaut of Orthodox texts and literature, “Bircas HaChammah” has sold into “the high five figures,” according to the publishing house, with 4,000 copies shipping this week. Rabbi Bleich’s theological discourse on the topic, known as a shiur, has been viewed more than 4,000 times and downloaded nearly 1,000 from the Yeshiva University Web site “Torah Online.”
The Reform and Conservative movements, along with the Orthodox, have put increased attention on the blessing this year. It has, for many liberal Jews, become interwoven with environmental activism. Birchat HaChammah also appeals to followers of and dabblers in Jewish mysticism.
And, as the historian Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University pointed out in a recent interview, taking part in Birchat HaChammah asks relatively little from a not-so-religious Jew.
“Frequent rituals, like saying kaddish every day, are difficult to maintain, and without strenuous effort they cease to be meaningful,” Mr. Sarna said.
“Infrequent rituals — those performed annually or once in a life cycle, like a bar mitzvah, or in this case once in 28 years — are by definition more exotic and it is easy to draw meaning out of them,” he said. “In all religions, the infrequent rituals are more widely observed and tend to be more beloved than the frequent ones.”
In his book, Rabbi Bleich draws on a range of Judaic liturgy, commentary and legal codes, as well as the mathematical fine points of the solar, lunar, Julian and Gregorian calendars, to parse the purpose of Birchat HaChammah.
The same brief prayer — consisting of the basic syntactical root for most blessings and three culminating, specific Hebrew words — is also used to express awe and wonder at physical grandeur (the Grand Canyon) and creative acts visible as they happen (lightning, meteor showers).
Blessing the sun, however, is to Rabbi Bleich about blessing a process rather than a star, which, after all, looks the same way every day.
“It is an intellectual reflection upon the fact that God constantly creates the universe, and that is a basic principle of faith,” he said of Birchat HaChammah. “It’s designed for reflection and introspection, which lead to an understanding that there would be no universe without divine existence.”
Back in 1983, when he first published his book in shorter form, Rabbi Bleich received only a few postcards from readers. This time, in his once-every-28-years role as the go-to guy, he has been fielding phone calls from The Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press, among other large news media outlets, and hundreds of e-mail messages.
Yes, he will answer one inquiry, the blessing can be said up to three hours after daybreak. It is not required to be awake, outside and praying right at sunrise, 6:28 a.m. No, he will tell another, Birchat HaChammah is not sun worship, we have not gone pagan after all those millennia as monotheists.
As for himself, he has just one concern about Wednesday morning. “If it’s overcast,” he said, “it will be terrible.”
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Read Comments (24) — Post Yours »
1
Apr 04, 2009 at 09:16 PM Anonymous Says:
This is interesting but why are they making such a big deal out of this when there are so many more important mitzvahs that don't get nearly as much attention. The fact that it comes once every 28 years does not make it more important that siyum for bochorim, biur chamatz or schulgging kapores on Wednedsay morning.
2
Apr 04, 2009 at 10:02 PM moshe chaim Says:
(response to #1) You are so wrong. The fact that it comes every 28 years is what makes it so important. If u would understand why we say birchas hachama u wouldnt be asking such a question. Your question is not any different then me asking why do
Americans make such a big deal about the World Series, If there is baseball a whole season. Dont get me wrong, you r right that the other mitzvos are just as important, but they they dont come every 28 years. Its up to each individual how much importance he/she gives to the other mitzvos, but the fact that people are not machshiv other mitzvos doesnt mean u should downgrade Birchas Hachma.
3
Apr 04, 2009 at 09:44 PM Anonymous Says:
Isn't a contradiction with todays science, is the sun coming or the planet earth??
4
Apr 04, 2009 at 11:35 PM Anonymous Says:
its because it happens to be that this year it happens erev pesach - and this year birchas hachama will be the last on erev pesach until moshiach comes
5
Apr 04, 2009 at 11:05 PM Anonymous Says:
“ This is interesting but why are they making such a big deal out of this when there are so many more important mitzvahs that don't get nearly as much attention. The fact that it comes once every 28 years does not make it more important that siyum for bochorim, biur chamatz or schulgging kapores on Wednedsay morning. ”
Of course the mitzvah is very important./ This mitzvah is a two or three life time opportunity. A regular mitzvah if you miss it you can always do it later or the next day. If you miss birchas hachama you must wait another 28 years and by that time you might not be around. Do not belittle any mitzvah. Use all opportunities and never pass up on a mitzvah.
6
Apr 04, 2009 at 10:48 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Isn't a contradiction with todays science, is the sun coming or the planet earth?? ”
I saw in recent published sifer that if someone is denying one world of a rambam is an apikores! His knowledge was bigger than the todays science.
7
Apr 04, 2009 at 10:44 PM gefiltered fish Says:
#3 u need some brains. The Holiday is for the peace of the world. Jews keep the world peaceful.Moshe Chaim stop being Chaim Moshe.
8
Apr 04, 2009 at 10:38 PM Anonymous Says:
I agree with #1 to the extent that in the same Siman in Shulchan Aruch are a number of brochas one should recite and I'm only refering to Drabonon's. How many people know that in Nissan one has to recite the blessing on the blooming of trees? How many have aqctually done it? Does the repetition of the "yearly event" make it less important? Birchas Hachame is indeed very important but it's still only a statistical fact. Proof is we don't make a shehechaynu on this whereas on a new fruit one recites the Shecheyanu! So you tell me which is a happy occassion, Birchas Hachame or a new fruit?
9
Apr 05, 2009 at 01:01 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Isn't a contradiction with todays science, is the sun coming or the planet earth?? ”
NO, even the Rambam didn't based his wisdom on todays information, if you notice that his evidents in "sefar hayad" is that if we see motion on the planets it can't be natural, but in "todays" science it's indeed natural like gravity.
10
Apr 05, 2009 at 12:44 AM vb Says:
“ I agree with #1 to the extent that in the same Siman in Shulchan Aruch are a number of brochas one should recite and I'm only refering to Drabonon's. How many people know that in Nissan one has to recite the blessing on the blooming of trees? How many have aqctually done it? Does the repetition of the "yearly event" make it less important? Birchas Hachame is indeed very important but it's still only a statistical fact. Proof is we don't make a shehechaynu on this whereas on a new fruit one recites the Shecheyanu! So you tell me which is a happy occassion, Birchas Hachame or a new fruit? ”
According to Minhag Chabad at least, you do say a Shehecheyanu on Birchas Hachama (but Minhag is to wear new clothes, or have a new fruit just in case).
11
Apr 05, 2009 at 12:39 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Isn't a contradiction with todays science, is the sun coming or the planet earth?? ”
Our rabbis didn't base their knowledge on "today" science, but it's very interesting thatt the rambam indeed based his knowledge on aristotles science, "the moving body comes to a Stanstill when the forcee which pushed it along can no longer so act as to push it" (see evolution of physics p.6,) but galileo discovered that "every body perseveres in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a right line" so the same nature how puts an objects at rest, puts it at motion, not the force, but the rambam is of the opinion that motion is by force, and this was the biggest evident to our father Avrohom that only g-d can move the planets because it's not natural, so the rambam didn't based his knowledge on todays science, (see rambam in the beginning of hilches avodah zorah)
12
Apr 05, 2009 at 04:36 AM Brisker Yid Says:
if fact if I'm inside my home and the sun is shining outside on Wednesday, I do not even have a chiyuv (any:d'oraysa or derabanan) to go outside to see the sun to make the bracha. it is a chiyuv only ih one happens to see the sun!
13
Apr 05, 2009 at 02:40 AM Anonymous Says:
“ I agree with #1 to the extent that in the same Siman in Shulchan Aruch are a number of brochas one should recite and I'm only refering to Drabonon's. How many people know that in Nissan one has to recite the blessing on the blooming of trees? How many have aqctually done it? Does the repetition of the "yearly event" make it less important? Birchas Hachame is indeed very important but it's still only a statistical fact. Proof is we don't make a shehechaynu on this whereas on a new fruit one recites the Shecheyanu! So you tell me which is a happy occassion, Birchas Hachame or a new fruit? ”
& to # 1 yes its the same important as the blessing of the trees (and by the way everyone is making that too, #8 I dont know from where you come) but it is understandable why such a bruche thats only once in 28 years should need a bigger preperation (hachune) as it says in sfurim the reason why people have a bigger feeling for mitzves that come only once a year like lulav than other that we do everyday cuz every mitzve is mashpia something on the person doing it for till the next opportunity so if its a once in a year mitzve its mashpia more at once
so kol sheken someting thats once in a 28 years
14
Apr 05, 2009 at 01:30 AM Anonymous Says:
“ I agree with #1 to the extent that in the same Siman in Shulchan Aruch are a number of brochas one should recite and I'm only refering to Drabonon's. How many people know that in Nissan one has to recite the blessing on the blooming of trees? How many have aqctually done it? Does the repetition of the "yearly event" make it less important? Birchas Hachame is indeed very important but it's still only a statistical fact. Proof is we don't make a shehechaynu on this whereas on a new fruit one recites the Shecheyanu! So you tell me which is a happy occassion, Birchas Hachame or a new fruit? ”
We don't make shehechiyanu??? Where have you been? Under a rock? There is a major tumult in the poskim whether one says a shehechiyanu on birkas hachama. Therefor one should try to wear something new or have a new fruit so that you can say a shehechiyanu and not have a problem according to all shitos.
15
Apr 05, 2009 at 07:58 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Our rabbis didn't base their knowledge on "today" science, but it's very interesting thatt the rambam indeed based his knowledge on aristotles science, "the moving body comes to a Stanstill when the forcee which pushed it along can no longer so act as to push it" (see evolution of physics p.6,) but galileo discovered that "every body perseveres in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a right line" so the same nature how puts an objects at rest, puts it at motion, not the force, but the rambam is of the opinion that motion is by force, and this was the biggest evident to our father Avrohom that only g-d can move the planets because it's not natural, so the rambam didn't based his knowledge on todays science, (see rambam in the beginning of hilches avodah zorah) ”
In the beginning of "madah" he rallies on that scientific evidence that g-d is still giving force to the planets, and he is still here.
16
Apr 05, 2009 at 08:04 AM rochel Says:
#1 and who says we dont make a bik deal of other mitzvos? can you you cite example so i can compare and comment. are you talkink about chesed,lokk hamny chesed organizations ther are, are you talking about lulev shaking, we make big deal , do you meleh (circumci.) this is the dumbest comment i read all over, when saomeone talks abuot a certain mitzvah guys like you come and say why arent you busy with the other mitzvah ,and when one comes wiyh thatother mitzvah smatry guys like you come wuth'why isnt he busy with the third itzvah'
17
Apr 05, 2009 at 07:43 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Our rabbis didn't base their knowledge on "today" science, but it's very interesting thatt the rambam indeed based his knowledge on aristotles science, "the moving body comes to a Stanstill when the forcee which pushed it along can no longer so act as to push it" (see evolution of physics p.6,) but galileo discovered that "every body perseveres in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a right line" so the same nature how puts an objects at rest, puts it at motion, not the force, but the rambam is of the opinion that motion is by force, and this was the biggest evident to our father Avrohom that only g-d can move the planets because it's not natural, so the rambam didn't based his knowledge on todays science, (see rambam in the beginning of hilches avodah zorah) ”
Your wards is apikorses because if the Rambam used this evidence to a base of our religion and that was the proof to our father , how can you say that it's a contradiction with the real science? You are in a dangerous zone!!!
18
Apr 05, 2009 at 08:13 AM Anonymous Says:
“ I agree with #1 to the extent that in the same Siman in Shulchan Aruch are a number of brochas one should recite and I'm only refering to Drabonon's. How many people know that in Nissan one has to recite the blessing on the blooming of trees? How many have aqctually done it? Does the repetition of the "yearly event" make it less important? Birchas Hachame is indeed very important but it's still only a statistical fact. Proof is we don't make a shehechaynu on this whereas on a new fruit one recites the Shecheyanu! So you tell me which is a happy occassion, Birchas Hachame or a new fruit? ”
#8:
Your reasoning is flawed.:There are plenty of people who know to make the blessing on blooming trees in Nissan and do so. In my neighborhood's Shul everybody did it. The reason why you don't make a Shehechyanu might be because there are different opinions regarding this Mitzvah of Birkas Hachamo; as to the exact time (day) when to recite it or if you should recite the Beracha at all. The Gemoroh in Berachos speaks about it; that's where it all comes from. Go learn that Daf properly with Meforshim and you wil understand the controversy. For instance, the Chasam Sofer writes that he was unsure if to make the Beracha with 'Shem & Malchus' as it was not the custom in earlier days to do so. But now (in his times) it became the custom to say the full Beracha, so lets do so. The Mishna Berurah also has a piece on it. Go and learn it. As far as making a Beracha on a new fruit, that has (like many things) also plenty of controversy and lots of people do NOT make a Shehechyanu on it at any times.
In conclusion: Birkas Hachamo is a Happy Occasion, probably more so than a new fruit. Your reasoning is totally flawed. Sorry.
I wish you to be able to participate in this Mitzvah in 28 years again.
Chag Samea'ch..
19
Apr 05, 2009 at 11:50 AM chaim Says:
who has pronlem , why big deal, yes vor no shehachyonu etc, why not just learn simon 229 with commentaries
20
Apr 05, 2009 at 12:36 PM Anonymous Says:
“ In the beginning of "madah" he rallies on that scientific evidence that g-d is still giving force to the planets, and he is still here. ”
Our holly religion is based on mesorah not on science!!
21
Apr 05, 2009 at 12:33 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Our rabbis didn't base their knowledge on "today" science, but it's very interesting thatt the rambam indeed based his knowledge on aristotles science, "the moving body comes to a Stanstill when the forcee which pushed it along can no longer so act as to push it" (see evolution of physics p.6,) but galileo discovered that "every body perseveres in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a right line" so the same nature how puts an objects at rest, puts it at motion, not the force, but the rambam is of the opinion that motion is by force, and this was the biggest evident to our father Avrohom that only g-d can move the planets because it's not natural, so the rambam didn't based his knowledge on todays science, (see rambam in the beginning of hilches avodah zorah) ”
Can you explain please your statement, I have no idea were the rambam is discussing physics?
22
Apr 05, 2009 at 01:39 PM Milhouse Says:
“ its because it happens to be that this year it happens erev pesach - and this year birchas hachama will be the last on erev pesach until moshiach comes ”
You are wrong whichever way you look at it. If you have such great emunah that Moshiach will come soon then why are you saying that this birchas hachamoh will be before Moshiach? Surely you should expect him to have already arrived by then.
But if you are not so confident, and are comfortable discussing the possibility that he might not come in the next three days, then how do you know he will come before the next time Birchas Hachamoh is said on Erev Pesach? What sort of guarantee have you got for that?
23
Apr 06, 2009 at 08:01 AM a/r/ Says:
“ Our rabbis didn't base their knowledge on "today" science, but it's very interesting thatt the rambam indeed based his knowledge on aristotles science, "the moving body comes to a Stanstill when the forcee which pushed it along can no longer so act as to push it" (see evolution of physics p.6,) but galileo discovered that "every body perseveres in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a right line" so the same nature how puts an objects at rest, puts it at motion, not the force, but the rambam is of the opinion that motion is by force, and this was the biggest evident to our father Avrohom that only g-d can move the planets because it's not natural, so the rambam didn't based his knowledge on todays science, (see rambam in the beginning of hilches avodah zorah) ”
what are you getting at? im not understanding your point, they did understand the force of an object in relation to its movement...an object in motion will stay in motion Unless an outside force acts upon it (newton) also the rest of galileo's sentence is unless that straight uniform line's state is changed by a force.
so saying that rambam had the first idea of outside forces is not correct, the others did too.
24
Apr 06, 2009 at 09:37 AM Anonymous Says:
“ what are you getting at? im not understanding your point, they did understand the force of an object in relation to its movement...an object in motion will stay in motion Unless an outside force acts upon it (newton) also the rest of galileo's sentence is unless that straight uniform line's state is changed by a force.
so saying that rambam had the first idea of outside forces is not correct, the others did too. ”
The rambam is in hilches avoidah zurah, hi explains how Avrohom had evidence the we can see the power of G-D - because it can't be explained with nature, he saw that the planets don't stop to move and he wonder "why" so it most be the power of g-d, but with the science of today it's like gravity!!