This morning I awoke to the strong voice of my neighborhood Rabbi over a small PA system (which echoed a little down our broad Brooklyn street) explaining the Blessing of the Sun, celebrated early in the morn (apparently) every 28 years! The idea is that today the sun has returned to the same spot it was when it was first created. [For more detail click here.]
Although some say it was like seeing the sun for the very first time, it was rather overcast in Park Slope this morning. The Temple on the north side of my block didn’t seem to be the prime “sunny side of the street” location for this blessing, and since you can’t say the blessing unless you see the sun, the congregation all walked across to my side of the street so get a better look. When this was suggested over the PA, without skipping a beat, cars started honking, and I rushed to the window to make sure no one had been hurt. Everyone was fine.
Enjoy the sun today if it shines on you, receive the glorious blessing that is the natural world, but remember that there are many man made dangers as you are gazing skyward.