Weekly Halacha Yomit: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch

The topics covered this week are very interesting and varied. For a while, I thought about writing about the different ways in which we thank Hashem, but then one particular Halacha stands out for me.

In the Kitzur, we learn a small section (60:6-7), which contains in it some of the aspects of the blessing over the sun – Birkat HaChama. This is a very special bracha which only occurs once every 28 years. It commemorates the day on which the sun returns to its original position as at its creation – and the next occasion occurs this year, Erev Pesach 5769, Wednesday 8 April 2009.

We learn (60:7) that

At the outset, one should bless in the morning immediately upon the appearance of the sun, for ''the eager perform the mitzvot promptly.'' It is proper, if possible, to bless with a group of people, because (Prov. 14:28): ''In the multitude of people is the glory of the king.'' (So one should announce (it) on the previous day, so that (people) will know to assemble.) If it is impossible to gather (people) immediately in the morning, one should not delay (making the blessing) due to this. Rather, each person should bless immediately, when he sees the sun shining, for the principle of ''the eager perform mitzvos promptly'' takes precedence over the principle of ''in the multitude of people...''

The Misgeret HaShulchan quotes the Siddur Derech HaChayim who says that it is also possible, in the case of clear weather, for the bracha to be made after Shacharit, when everyone can gather together and say the bracha together as a congregation. This seems to be the prevailing minhag.

This once-every-28-years event, I believe, truly affirms in a fantastic way what we say every single day in our tefillot:

[Hashem], in His goodness, continually renews the work of creation, day after day, as it is said, "[Praise] Him who made the great lights, for His love endures for ever." (from the Brachot before the Shma in Shacharit)

We give thanks to You, [Hashem]… for Your miracles which are with us every day; and for Your wonders and favors at all times, evening, morning and midday. (from the Thanksgiving / Modim bracha in the Amida)

By thanking Hashem for the existance of the sun – our source of heat, light, daytime and life – we are thanking Him for creation as a whole and for its continuation. It is often easy to ignore the incredible nature of the sun – it rises and sets every day and has patterns which we are aware of. But when do we ever stop to thank Hashem for this miraculous creation of His?

*** As the time for this rare event approaches, it is a good idea to read further on the subject. You can read more about Birkat HaChama here and see a sample order of the service here . In addition, a book produced by Rabbi J David Bleich for the last Birkat HaChama in 1981 has been expanded and reprinted by Artscroll . ***

If you have any comments or feedback, please email daniel@worldmizrachi.org .

• Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with English linear translation: http://www.geocities.com/yona_n.geo/index.html
• Hebrew Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with nekudot: http://www.kitzur.net
• Hebrew Kitzur Shulchan Aruch without nekudot: http://www.shofar.net/Content/Kitzur_Shulchan.htm?id=5417
• Kitzur Shulchan Aruch project, calendars and order books: http://www.kitzuryomi.org/
• Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with Misgeret HaShulchan: http://www.hebrewbooks.org/9214
• Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with She'arim Ha'Metzuyanim B'Halachah:
  • Part 1 - http://www.hebrewbooks.org/14621
  • Part 2 - http://www.hebrewbooks.org/14622
  • Part 3 - http://www.hebrewbooks.org/14619
  • Part 4 - http://www.hebrewbooks.org/14620
• Selected chapters grouped by theme: http://www.torah.org/learning/halacha/
• New Artscroll Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. Sample available at: http://www.artscroll.com/Books/ksa1.html