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Birkat HaHammah 2009- "The Blessing of the Sun", a Global Jewish Event

April 13, 2009 - 11:33am — Rabbi Shawn Zevit

North American Solar and Renewable Energy Campaign in the Jewish Community

The year 5769 (2008-2009) will be the little known Jewish year of “Birkhat HaHammah” the “blessing of the sun.” Every 28 years, the ancient rabbis demarked a time in the Jewish calendar that celebrates the ceremonial return of the sun to its original place in the cosmos during creation.

JRF, as part of a national coalition participated in this rare event to focus on solar power and energy stewardship. Our commitment to a dynamic Judiasm on a Sustainable Planet will continue!

See www.blessthesun.org and the Birkhat HaHammah blog

Traditional sources and the complete ritual service

Enjoy a song for the Sun performed by Rabbi Shawn Zevit

Words available courtesy of Kolot

Calculate the timing for your local gathering for the ritual and education about solar energy

Jewish Exponent Article, March, 2009

Cleveland Jewish News Article, April, 2009

JRC, Evanston, IL, Chicago Tribune Article

Birkat Hahama from the perspective of a scientist

How the Sun "Sings" from the Stanford Solar Center

Yoga "Sun Salutation" Practice

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Ritualwell.org managed through Kolot: The Center for Gender Studies at RRC has also uploaded resources for Birkhat Hachamah

Additional JRF Resources on Judaism and the sustainability:

http://jrf.org/omer2008-enviro

http://jrf.org/node/1264#enviro

http://jrf.org/omer/2007

AttachmentSize
1st night Hannukah celebration.doc357 KB
BIRKAT HACHAMMAH - University Synagogue 04-08-09.doc44.5 KB
Birkat HaChammah - Cleveland.pdf52.33 KB
sun_1897.pdf825.8 KB
NY_Times_1981.pdf49.51 KB
Birkat HaChamah Rabbi Raphael final edit.doc31 KB
Birkat HaChamah Waskow.doc50.5 KB
Birkat HaHammah Ceremony Outline (Zevit).doc100 KB
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Comments

July 24, 2010 - 7:44pm — wizard of oz books (not verified)

Thank you for for such an

Thank you for for such an interesting post.  They can use a wisdom from wizard of oz movie.

July 17, 2010 - 8:16pm — Arnold (not verified)

Thanks for the intersting

Thanks for the intersting article.

Energie

July 8, 2010 - 2:56am — Natan F (not verified)

I loved this event it was

I loved this event it was amazing, Birkat HaHammah 2009 will always stay in my heart as one of the best blessing of the sun.

 

June 22, 2010 - 10:00am — Srulea (not verified)

I think that these type of

I think that these type of campaign should be done in all North American communities we all should think more on how we can protect our earth and use renewable types of energy.

July 5, 2009 - 6:08am — Anonymous (not verified)

What time is sunrise on

What time is sunrise on April 8, 2009 in <a href=http://freezfile.com>Vermont</a> ? Thank you.

March 29, 2009 - 4:13pm — Anonymous (not verified)

birchat hchammah

i just learned about this blessing and ritual and will teach it to my grandchildren. perhaps they will remember it 28 years from now and remember me, too.

March 20, 2009 - 2:09am — Rabbi Shawn Zevit
Rabbi Shawn Zevit's picture

Timing of blessing

For your local times see the link above, "calculate the timing"
For local events check www.blessthesun.org

March 31, 2009 - 1:24am — Lauri (not verified)

Blessing the sun

look at our link www.blessingthesun2009.com if you would like to see a liturgy for this blessing compiled and califgraphed by Lauri Wolff Polen and Nehemia Polen.

March 19, 2009 - 8:07pm — Portia Arthur (not verified)

Birkat HaChamah

What time is sunrise on April 8, 2009 in Vermont? Thank you.

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