
Image: Courtesy of NASA/JPL
On April 8, 2024, a celestial spectacle will unfold across parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada—the Great American Eclipse. As the moon briefly obscures the sun, plunging the Earth into eerie darkness, millions will witness this awe-inspiring event. But what does Jewish tradition say about solar eclipses?
The Hebrew Word for Eclipse: Likui The Hebrew word for eclipse is “likui,” which literally means “defect.” In ancient times, eclipses were mysterious and terrifying phenomena. The Talmud, our rich repository of Jewish wisdom, sheds light on how our ancestors perceived these cosmic events.
The Talmudic Perspective According to the Talmud, the sages commented that a solar eclipse is a bad omen for the entire world.
Rabbi Yehuda Loew and Natural Phenomena Rabbi Yehuda Loew, known as the Maharal of Prague (d. 1609), said, eclipses serve as reminders of our imperfections and the need for introspection.
Historical Views and Blessings Historically, eclipses were seen as bad omens, and no blessings were associated with them. However, we now understand that they are natural phenomena. Now we can offer a blessing for witnessing natural wonders: “Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha’olam, oseh ma’aseh v’reshit”—Blessed are You, our God, Source of creation.
Jewish Astronomers and Lunar Craters Our tradition has a rich connection to astronomy. Maimonides, the great 12th-century scholar and physician, wrote his first book about astronomy and mathematics. Samuel, known as Samuel of the Moon, delved into celestial knowledge. Giovanni Battista Riccioli, a 17th-century astronomer, honored outstanding Middle Ages astronomers by naming lunar craters after them—four of which bear the names of rabbis.
As the solar eclipse approaches, let's marvel at the cosmic dance, recognizing both its natural beauty and its spiritual significance. Perhaps, in the shadow of the moon, we can find moments of reflection and renewal. 🌒🌞✨
SAFETY FIRST: Never look directly at the Sun. You can seriously hurt your eyes, and even go blind. Proper eye protection, like eclipse glasses, is the only safe option. Sunglasses, (phone) cameras, telescopes, etc. don't work.
Adina, Hershberg. “Jews on the Moon.” Aish.Com, 26 Sept. 2023, aish.com/jews-on-the-moon/.
Becher, Mordechai. “Judaism and the Solar Eclipse.” Aish.Com, 17 Mar. 2024, aish.com/judaism-and-the-solar-eclipse/.
Posner, Menachem. “A Blessing for a Lunar or Solar Eclipse? - Prayer.” Chabad.Org, www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1394441/jewish/A-Blessing-for-a-Lunar-or-Solar-Eclipse.htm. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
Rogovoy, Seth. “The Secret Jewish History of the Solar Eclipse.” The Forward, 13 Mar. 2024, forward.com/culture/380192/the-secret-jewish-history-of-the-solar-eclipse/.
“What Is an Eclipse? (Grades 5-8).” NASA, NASA, 7 Feb. 2024, www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/for-kids-and-students/what-is-an-eclipse-grades-5-8/#:~:text=The%20people%20who%20see%20the,Earth%20are%20not%20exactly%20aligned.
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