A Rare Astronomical Event

By DANA SANCHEZ
Assistant Englewood Editor

ENGLEWOOD — A rare astronomical event that happens every 28 years will unite Jews at Venice Beach — and at parks and outdoor places around the world — on April 8.

On that day, due to an alignment of space and time, the sun will be at the same spot where it was when it was created 5,769 years ago, according to the Torah.

It happens only once every 28 years because each solar year begins 365 days and about six hours after the previous year. It takes 28 years for the solar year to start again at the the same point in the week — a Wednesday — said Rabbi Sholom Schmerling, with Chabad of Venice and North Port.

Why Wednesday?

Jews observe the Sabbath from Friday at sundown to Saturday at sundown.

“We know the sun was created on the fourth day of creation — a Wednesday,” Schmerling said.

The last time the sun blessing occurred was in 1981.

Schmerling, 28, was an infant at the time.

“It’s going to be my first time celebrating it; my children’s first time,” he said. “It’s a remarkable event to remember. I’m very excited to be there celebrating with other people.”

Observant Jews say thanks to God with a myriad of blessings, ranging from daily thanks for food to weekly, monthly and annual prayers marking the Sabbath and holy days. There are blessings for natural events such as thunder and lightning.

The 28-year sun blessing is the longest cycle of any Jewish religious ceremony, said Rabbi Simon Jacobson, with Chabad of Charlotte County.

For those who believe in creation, and for all mankind, the sun blessing is an opportunity to be thankful, Schmerling said.

“With solar power an increasingly viable alternative to nonrenewable energy sources, this once-in-a-generation event is timely and practical,” he said. “It reminds us we are blessed with virtually unlimited power and potential just waiting for us to tap into it.”

Chabad of Charlotte County also will hold a special prayer April 8 at the Chabad house.

Numbers and counting always have played a significant role in Judaism, Jacobson said.

Thousands of years ago, rabbis argued over the precise length of the solar year, and their discussions are recorded in the Talmud.

“The difference of one slight number is quite important in every aspect of life,” Jacobson said.

The actual sun blessing will take only a few minutes, and there will be no noticeable changes in the heavens, both rabbis said.

Chabad of Venice will hold a class and discussion about the Blessing of the Sun at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday.

For information, call Chabad of Venice and North Port at 941-493-2770 or Chabad of Charlotte County at 941-833-3381.