Posted March 26, 2009, by Rabbi Judy Abrams. Please refer to Maqom's home page for information about previous passages.
Way back in 1980-1981, I was spending my first year of rabbinical school in Jerusalem. My parents had forbidden me to go to rabbinical school and had cut me off financially, so I was really, really broke. Nonetheless, it was one of the greatest years of my life. I found a bomb-shelter in Rechavia to rent: a one room, one-gas burner, place with a shower and a toilet. (Those of you who've lived in Israel will know that I found out how a wonder pot turned that gas burner into an oven.) It was great: cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter. It even had a big old cabinet radio so I could listen to the news. (One should not judge my parents too harshly. The first woman was only ordained in 1972 and I think my parents thought it would be a difficult career path and one that might prevent me from getting married and having kids.)
I have only two regrets regarding that year: (1) I saw all the Jewish calendar except for Shavuot and (2) they had this thing, the blessing of the sun, which I didn't understand and therefore did not do. They said it was a once-in-28-year phenomenon but I just blew it off. Gevult for the arrogance of youth!
This time, you can bet I'm not going to make the same mistake and I hope you don't either.
When? The morning of April 8. Yes, I know you will be burning your chameits and cooking but all you have to do is say one blessing.
What? Just look at the sky and say the blessing, "Blessed is God, Ruler of the world, who makes the works of creation." (oseh ma'aseh v'reishit.) (Y. Berachot 9:2)
Why? The idea is that all the planets line up on this one day. This year, you can have "creation" in the morning with this blessing, "revelation" at midday by studying some Torah and have "redemption" at night. (This idea I owe to Rabbi Mark Miller, here in Houston.)
No questions per se this time. But please do share how you¹re going to observe the day. Enjoy!