The date April 8th, 2009 is an exciting day in the Jewish cycle of time and not because it signals the approach of the first night of Passover. Coincidentally, April 8th, 2009 happens to be the day when the sun returns to its original position after completing a 28-year cycle.

This event is called Birkat HaChama (Blessing of the Sun) and with it comes the opportunity to fulfill a mitzvah that doesn’t come around all too often. The original position of the sun takes us back to Creation, and this occasion may occur three times during our lifetime.

In the morning, when the sun is visible, we recite the blessing Baruch Atah “Ado-shem” “Elo-kenu” melech ha’olam oseh ma’asai bereshit - Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe who makes the works of Creation. It is the same blessing that is recited upon seeing lightning, a meteor or another work of nature. Due to the unique spirit of this day, additional Psalms are recited as well, including 19, 121, and 148.

As with most occurrences in Jewish life, there are Halachic (legal) guidelines that instruct us on the proper observance and honoring of this day. The prayer, for example, is to be recited in the morning, preferably at Shachrit (the morning service) but should be recited by the third hour of the day. If it is cloudy but you can still see the outline of the sun, the blessing is still is recited. If you cannot see the outline of the sun on a cloudy day, there are changes to the blessing. There is a preference to recite the blessing among a large group of people.

This is how the sun was positioned at Creation. Mystically, I suppose, one can embrace the opportunity to begin anew. It will be another twenty-eight years before the sun returns to its original spot. It’s a moment to seize – a unique chance to do a mitzvah. And, if you’re into math – you can figure out the numbers and see how our sages arrived at their calculation.

There are many different types of blessings in the Jewish tradition. Some, like Birkat HaChama, express our gratitude to G-d. We proclaim our excitement at the sun returning to the place it began in. With our expression of prayer, we inform G-d that we recognize all that was given to us during Creation.

On April 8th, 2009 – may you take a moment in the morning, glance at the sun and feel overwhelming gratitude for the life you were given.