Hebrew tradition holds that once every 28 years the sun returns to the position it held when God created it at the beginning of the fourth day.
The sun, as viewed from Earth, returned to this place today. The Hebrew date is 14 Nisan 5769.
The event is a metaphysical one, not an astronomical occurrence.
The Talmud calls for a special blessing for the event, Birkat Hachama, to be recited in celebration of the solar cycle, known as “machzor gadol.”
This Blessing of the Sun is written: “Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who makes the works of creation.” (The final phrase can also read: “who re-enacts the wonders of creation.”)
“This is such a unique experience,” Orthodox Rabbi Selwyn Franklin said. “Many don’t remember this event. A person might be fortunate enough to experience it three times in a lifetime.”
This year, Passover — the spring festival commemorating the Israelite Exodus from Egypt — begins at sundown tonight. Many Jewish families gathered for Passover can enjoy both events, Franklin said.
The rabbi and about 200 members of his BMH-BJ Congregation and guests were planning to wait at the top of the Ambassador Building in the Lowry neighborhood for the sun to appear at 6:33 a.m. today to recite the blessing and psalms.
“We will have a great view of the prairie sunrise,” Franklin said. “The sun is the source of our light and energy. Everyone has a place under the sun.”
This story has been corrected in this online archive. Originally, it cited an incorrect day for the beginning of Passover, which begins today, April 8, at sundown.
