4
votes
1answer
98 views

Why make a bracha on an earthquake but not on an eclipse?

According to this page, Chaza"l intentionally omitted solar and lunar eclipses from the list of natural phenomena upon which we make a bracha. The following explanation is given: "The Hebrew term ...
6
votes
1answer
91 views

Is there an exhaustive list of astronomical/environmental events for which there are blessings?

Inspired by: What Bracha do you say on a Hurricane? What Blessing Does One Make on a Solar Eclipse? Bracha for the transit of Venus? Is there anywhere in the Halachic literature that lists all of ...
9
votes
2answers
154 views

Bracha for the transit of Venus?

Venus is transiting today for the last time until 2117 (or 5878, if you prefer). Is there a specific bracha that should be made upon witnessing this spectacular event?
11
votes
1answer
168 views

What Blessing Does One Make on a Solar Eclipse?

What Blessing Does One Make on a Solar Eclipse? I will be in Nevada next week and would like to make a blessing over the May 21 Solar Eclipse. Thanks!
4
votes
6answers
668 views

What's with Kiddush Levana?

In general Kiddush Lavanah has always seemed to me to be akin to "Avodas Kochavim" - so does anyone know of a satisfying answer that works with Occam's razor? More specifically: We say Just as I can ...