Study and Learn
The following resources provide almost all the information you could want about the history, laws, prayers and astronomical calculations that gave rise to this celebrated moment.
Study Materials
Massekhet Hahammah - Tractate of the sun: a thematically arranged compendium of classic Jewish texts regarding the sun with accompanying study guide with though-provoking questions. This massechet has been approved by Rabbi Elliot Dorff as suitable for study leading up to the hadran prayer on the morning of the Fast of the First Born (which this year is also the day of Birkat Hahammah). Published by the Conservative movement's Commission on Social Action and Public Policy and the Rabbinical Assembly.
Click here for a podcast of the author, Abe Friedman, teaching the 5th chapter of Massekhet Hahammah.
Torah Teachings and Halachic Resources from Canfei Nesharim
Materials to connect Birkat HaHammah with Passover, which begins Sunset on April 8, 2009.
Books and Articles
Blessing of the Sun, Renewal of Creation: A halachic analysis and anthology with a new translation and commentary from Artscroll
The Sun's Special Blessing - A children's picture book on Birkat HaHammah.
The "Halacha Sources" booklet on Birkas HaChamah is available for FREE DOWNLOAD - www.learnhalacha.com
Click here for a Complete Birchat Hachamah Guide
www.SunBlessing.org
Birkat Hahammah: the blessing of the sun. Arnold A. Lasker and Daniel J. Lasker. Conservative Judaism. January/February 1981. Pages 17-28 (a helpful explanation of the history of and calculations for this event)
Koach Ha-Berachah: The Power of the Blessing. Rabbinical Assembly, 2008.(a prayer book for the celebration of the day) publication date February/March 2009 Check out their website, www.rabbinicalassembly.org for updates and availability.
Bircas Hachammah: blessing of the sun-renewal of creation: a halachic analysis and anthology with the order of the day's prayers) Rabbi J. David Bleich. Mesorah Publications. 1980.
"JRF Omer Study": Congregational Resources for Energy alternatives and Sustainability" http://jrf.org/omer/2007
Once in 28 Years: The Blessing of the Sun, Birkas Hachamah. Rabbi Moshe Goldberger. Targum Press. 2009.
Fascinating facts and practical insights to uncover the depth and meaning of this momentous natural phenomenon.
Click here to read an excerpt.
Contributors to this page: Liore , Josh , EvonneCanfei , C , goldberger and kolot - last modified on Wed Mar 18, 2009 5:22 pm.