Beit Midrash
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was seen across North America. Many cultures view
this as an omen of danger, as the world darkens
(e.g. there was a total eclipse the day before
WWI broke out & some sources say an eclipse will
precede the cataclysmic war of Gog & Magog). What
do Jewish sources say? On the pasuk, "Let there
be luminaries in the heavens for signs &
seasons;" Rashi says "signs" refers to eclipses &
says this is indeed unfavorable, but he also
quotes Yirmiyahu 10:2 that if we are faithful to
Hashem then we will be protected & not harmed.
The Gemara Sukka says that there are 4 sins that
bring eclipses, notably including the rape of
young women & brothers dying together (the war in
Gaza?!). Most poskim say the bracha of "Oseh
ma’aseh b’reisheit" is not recited, possibly
because watching the eclipse with the naked eye
is dangerous, & so one should not be encouraged
to look at it & possibly do harm to himself. (With thanks to rabbis HW & ET)
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Iyar 5783
Parasha Summary - Shelach Lecha
An Overview of the Torah Portion
Heroes & Honored Guests
5775
