Torah and Jewish Idea > Torah and Jewish Idea
A B’rakha on the Venus Transit
Sveta:
--- Quote from: Tag-MehirTzedek on July 19, 2012, 03:49:18 PM ---
Not true, he takes both the Talmudhim into account
"1. The text before us in the Talmudh Bavli (B'rakhoth 59b) is corrupt. The statement attributed to Abbaye - the supposed source of this B'rakha - was never said by him, and was interpolated into the text at the beginning of the period of the Rishonim. None of the G'onim knew of Abbaye's statement. Some, such as Rav Sa'adya Gaon (p. 90), contradict it. It follows that the notion of saying a B'rakha once in 28 years (and on something one cannot see) was never mandated by the Sages. This entire issue is based on an error in the text.
2. The statement is almost certainly based on a sectarian solar calendar, such as that mentioned in the Book of Jubilees. Thus the entire concept contradicts Hazal who worked with a lunar calendar."
--- End quote ---
If what you're saying is true, then we are wrong in beginning the prayer for rain on December 4/5. Even the Tekufa of Rav Adda uses a solar calendar in order to make leap years. We're not crazy like the Muzzies who only go by The Moon. We use both The Sun and The Moon.
Sveta:
--- Quote from: Tag-MehirTzedek on July 19, 2012, 08:37:22 PM ---his B'rakha is mentioned in the Talmudh Y'rushalmi (B'rakhoth 9:2) and in WaYiqra Rabba (23: 8 ). According to these sources (which also know nothing of a 28-year cycle) the B'rakha should be said whenever one sees the sun and is moved by its power and majesty, something which happens occasionally. When one internalizes the fact that this is a manifestation of HASHEM's wisdom and power, one makes the B'rakha. Further one should say it if the sun was not visible for three days (such as consecutive stormy or cloudy days). This is what I recommend doing. According to Rav Sa'adya Gaon one recites the B'rakha annually on the summer or June soltice (June 20-21). This too is possible.
On this day the sun is at its highest point in the sky and its rays most direct and powerful.
--- End quote ---
The Jewish Solstice is July 7-8. This year it fell out the night before the fast of The 17th of Tammuz, Motza'ei Shabbat, July 7. It's called Tekufat Tammuz. Next year it will be Monday, whch corresponds with Rosh Chodesh Av, one full Jewish year from now.
Sveta:
I like his Nusach Eretz Yisrael and his Al HaNissim for Yom Ha'Atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim. I don't mind if he says Ashkenazim that live in Israel can eat Kiniyot on Passover. But I don't like how we translierates Hebrew and how he insults Birkat HaChama.
So what about the question about a solar eclipse? I know there is no bracha on a lunar eclipse. This is because the Moon is likened to the Jewish People and is a bad omen for the Jews. I also know that if someone saw a lunar eclipse and they know it means the monent of fullness, they can't recite Kiddush Levanah anymore even if the Halachic deadline did not pass. But if someone didn't see the eclipse or didn't know it means the moment of fullness, then they can still recite Kiddush Levanah up until the Halachic deadline.
The goyim are likened to the Sun so it's not a bad omen. So what is the Halachic ruling on a solar eclipse?
Also, do any other rabbis besides Rav Bar-Hayyim allow the a bracha on either a solar eclipse or a Transit of Venus?
Sveta:
Earlier this year, I could see Venus every evening after Sunset right next to the Crescent Moon with Jupiter right below. Venus is the brightest object in the night sky after the Moon. Is there a bracha to say if you see something like that?
Tag-MehirTzedek:
Israeliheart- on Bircat Hachama shiur explanation
http://machonshilo.org/en/eng/list-audio-shiurim/41-audiohalakha/614-blessing-of-the-sun-birkath-hama
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