Birkat HaChama Explained: The Rare Blessing Over the Sun Performed Once Every 28 Years

The Sages taught: ​“One who sees the sun in its cycle, the moon in its strength, the stars in their paths, and the constellations in their order, says: Blessed is He Who performs the act of Creation.
And when is this? Abaye said: Every twenty-eight years, when the cycle renews and the spring equinox falls in Saturn at the beginning of its orbit” (Berachot 59b)

Rashi explains that “Seeing the sun in its cycle” means seeing it return to the place where God originally positioned it during the Six Days of Creation, from where it began its orbit.

Practical Laws of Birkat HaChama

A. The Blessing

When one sees the sun reach the position where God placed it during Creation, one recites: “Blessed are You, Hashem, our God, King of the Universe, Who performs the acts of Creation.”

B. Timing

• Birkat HaChama takes place once every 28 years,

• In the month of Nissan,

• On a Wednesday morning,

• When the new 28-year solar cycle begins.

C. A Rare and Precious Mitzvah

Birkat HaChama is an extremely rare mitzvah — performed only once every 28 years.

In the year 5769 (2009), the Jewish people merited once again to recite it. We bless God, “Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season,” and pray: “May we merit future cycles and a renewed light that will shine upon Zion rebuilt.”

D. Preferably with a Minyan

It is preferable to recite the blessing with ten Jews, as “In a multitude of people is the King’s glory.” Communities often pray at sunrise and recite the blessing after the service.

E. Community Custom

It is customary to recite the blessing publicly, accompanied by songs and praises. However, an individual may also bless alone.

F. Deadline for the Blessing

The time for Birkat HaChama lasts until the end of three halachic hours of the day (approximately until 9:32 AM). Those who are diligent bless early.

G. Missing the Time

If one failed to bless within the allotted time, he recites the blessing without God’s Name.

H. Promise of Long Life

Those who merit performing Birkat HaChama are promised long life (“Yizrach Or,” introduction to chapter 13, by Rabbi David Miladula).

I. A Special Request

After reciting Birkat HaChama, it is considered a great merit to pray: “May I merit to bless the sun again in the next cycle.” This request is associated with a blessing for long life.

J. Exemptions

Some authorities say women are obligated; others say they are exempt. Therefore, best practice is that women hear the blessing from the prayer leader. The same applies to a blind person.

K. Seeing the Sun Clearly

The blessing is recited only when the entire disk of the sun is visible, which is generally about four minutes after sunrise. In mountainous areas, one must wait until the entire sun appears. The blessing may be recited until three halachic hours into the day.

L. Wearing Nice Clothing

Some say one should wear fine clothing, similar to the custom for Kiddush Levanah (Blessing of the Moon).

M. Joy and Celebration

The blessing is recited with joy, happiness, and dancing,
as if greeting the Divine Presence.

However, one should not overly burden the community, especially when Birkat HaChama falls on the eve of Passover, as it did in 2009.

N. Cloudy Skies

If the sky is completely covered and the sun cannot be seen at all,
even though its light is noticeable, one does not recite the blessing with God’s Name. In any doubt, one should consult the local rabbi.

O. Standing for the Blessing

Ideally, the blessing is recited standing, as in the blessing over the new moon. However, a bedridden patient who sees the sun through a window may recite it even sitting or lying down.

P. Reciting the Blessing on an Airplane

A person flying at the time of Birkat HaChama should look at the sun through the airplane window and recite the blessing.