Birkat HaHammah.
It is at this time when the rabbis believed the sun returns to the same place, same time of day, and same day of the week as the very moment of its creation (Talmud Brachot 59a). This moment when the heavens are arrayed as they were at the beginning of time is a time to celebrate, to appreciate the very miracle of our bountiful world and recommit ourselves to its care. At dawn on April 8, which is also Erev Pesach, we go outside, face east where the sun rises and recite the blessing: “Blessed are You our God and God of all the universe who makes all things in creation.” In a time when we are weaning ourselves from oil and gas, how appropriate to remember this ancient solar celebration!

            With the planets in alignment, and people preparing for spring festivals of freedom and renewal, we remember our alignment as well, our alignment and stasis with seasons and with nature, as well as how our values align with our actions every day.

For more information about Birkat HaHammah including rituals and ideas, please click here: http://urj.org/green/judaism/holiday/birkat_hahammah/

To help you learn prayers and blessings the following audio clips may be helpful. You may choose either Windows Media Player or Real Audio.

Kiddush: Listen Listen

Tallit Blessing: Listen Listen

Chatzi Kaddish: Listen

Barechu: Listen Listen

Maariv Aravim: Listen

Yotzer: Listen Listen

Shema: Listen Listen

V'ahavta: Listen Listen

Michamocha: Listen Listen

Avot/Gevurot: Listen Listen

Torah Blessing (before reading): Listen Listen

Torah Blessing (after reading): Listen Listen

Haftarah Blessing (before reading): Listen Listen

Haftarah Blessing (after reading): Listen Listen

To download Real Audio
player, click here:

To download Windows Media
player, click here: