BROOKLYN, NY [CHI] — On April 8, millions of Jews of all backgrounds and communities across the world will take to the streets to participate in a rare prayer service performed once every 28 years.
According to tradition, the blessing of the sun marks the point in time when the sun returns to the exact point in the sky it occupied during the creation of the world, and on the same day of the week.
More video in the Extended Article!
Birchas Hachamma – A Trip Down Memory Lane
BROOKLYN, NY [CHI] — On April 8, millions of Jews of all backgrounds and communities across the world will take to the streets to participate in a rare prayer service performed once every 28 years.
According to tradition, the blessing of the sun marks the point in time when the sun returns to the exact point in the sky it occupied during the creation of the world, and on the same day of the week.
More video in the Extended Article!
For many, the Birchas Hachama service, which is coming up this Erev Pesach, will be their first ever. For others will be a milestone in their lives, a day to look back in retrospect. For them, this years’ event shall trigger a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and evoke fond memories of the past Birchas Hachama, that took place on 4 Nissan – April 8, 1981.
Looking Back at Birchas Hachama in 1981 is also an opportunity to look at changes in our lives and in the world around us.
As a stark example, Twenty-eight years ago, the Wall Street Synagogue made arrangements to use the top of the World Trade Center for Birchas Hachama.
Or take recording technology, as another example: In today’s day and age, every cellphone is able to capture photos and video, and pictures of historical events are ubiquitous. But in 1981, recording devices were not regularly used by Chareidi communities – and certainly not amongst Chassidim.
A new DVD featuring archival video, audio and photos of Birchas Hachama as celebrated with the Lubavitcher Rebbe ZTL in 1981 is interesting for many reasons – among them for the way the team working on the DVD compiled the video, audio and photos of the event to make a fascinating presentation of Birchas Hachama in the Rebbe’s court. It includes the Teffilos, soul-stirring Nigunim and talks from that special occasion.
The video also features a short film about the meaning of Birchas Hachama, and an address by the Rebbe on the importance of developing solar technology – for the sake of Israel’s and the United States’ security.
