Once Every 28 Years: Jewish Law stipulates that a special blessing is to be recited when we see the sun at the same place and on the same day of the week as when it was created. The first chapter in Genesis, which tells the story of Creation, tells us that the sun was created on a Wednesday. Precisely one solar year, or 365.25 days later, the sun was in the same place – but not on the same day of the week, nor at the same time of day, but rather six hours (a quarter of a day) later. The “quarter-day” problem is solved every four years, and the “same day of the week” issue is resolved every seven years – and both problems are solved simultaneously only once every 28 (4×7) years.

This year 2009, marks the culmination of a 28-year-cycle since Creation (5769-1= 5768 = 28×206). Thus, for four weeks from the 14th of Nissan the sun will be in the same position, on the same day of the week and the same approximate hour, as it was when it was created. This “starting position” actually occurs the previous evening, but Jews recite the blessing over the sun to mark this anniversary only when it is visible which is, the next morning.

The special blessing “Blessed are You, Who fashions the work of Creation”, commemorates the greatness of G-d’s Creation. The same blessing is said when one sees lightning, a falling star, an earthquake, and special works of nature. Other prayers are recited as well, including chapters of Psalms.

Though the sun is some 400 times larger than the moon, a blessing over the latter is made nearly 350 times more often than over the former. The last time this special blessing was recited, April 8,1981, special gatherings were held in various locations for the public recital of the prayer – including atop one of the Twin Towers of the no-longer-extant World Trade Center in New York.

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