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Rabbi’s Blog: June 9 - Solar Eclipse + Upcoming Voting

06/09/2021 01:11:07 PM

Jun9

Dear OZ family,

 

 Tomorrow, Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, we will see a recognizable eclipse of the sun. At approximately sunrise tomorrow, the moon will begin to block up to almost 80% of the sun for a little less than an hour. Chazal (Sukkah 29A) considered this, as well as the eclipse of the moon, to be an ominous event. Some modern Halakhic commentaries explained the natural phenomenon of “L’kui Hachamah” as sunspots, rather than an eclipse. Eclipses are natural events that happen periodically. Sunspots also happen periodically and can potentially cause great weather fluctuations on Earth. Prolonged gazing at a solar eclipse caused great damage and therefore our sages wanted to downplay any curiosity at its sighting. Therefore, there is no blessing on a solar eclipse.

 

Yesterday, there was an observable rainbow over much of the city, and this does have a bracha, even though the Talmud considers such a sighting to be ominous as well (Brachos 59A). The bracha reminds us of God’s covenant with the Earth and with nature. God is at the wheel and He navigates the universe to protect us. Should one of those billions of asteroids orbiting between Mars and Jupiter break free and head towards a direct hit of our planet, we wouldn’t have very long to prepare for extinction. We need not worry. The guiding hand of the Creator is looking after us. We partner with Him when we keep Shabbos, assist those in need, and make this world a better place. We’re all in this together. May God’s radiance continue to shine on us, protect us and heal us.

 

Below I am attaching a letter from together with my Manhattan Rabbinical colleagues to encourage all to vote in the upcoming primaries.

 

Be safe.  Be healthy and well. Be excellent.

 

Rabbi Allen Schwartz

 

Rabbi Allen Schwartz

Congregation Ohab Zedek

118 West 95th Street | New York, NY  10025-6604

Phone 212.749-5150, ext 200 | Fax 212.663-3635

E-mail ras@ozny.org

Website:  www.ozny.org

 

 

Dear Friends:

 

I am proud to join with my rabbinic colleagues from Manhattan in urging you to vote in the upcoming primaries on June 22, 2021.

 

The importance of ensuring strong government leadership in New York City for the next four years cannot be overstated, especially in light of the very difficult period the city has endured since the pandemic struck. We cannot stand on the sidelines. Every vote counts, and our community can make a difference.

 

As Rabbis we are apolitical, and it’s not our place to endorse a specific candidate. But it is our responsibility to care for our community. And this election could have an enormous impact on our community, our synagogues, and our schools. Voting is a civic responsibility and opportunity, and we urge you to vote in this election.

 

This year we are tasked to rank our choices. Selecting more than one candidate will enable you to have your vote weigh in more than if you had voted for a single candidate. Click here to learn about ranked voting.

 

Starting this weekend, you can vote early, and early voting runs from June 12th – 20th. Click here to find your early voting site. If you will be away on June 22nd, click here to get your vote-by-mail ballot.

 













 

Sun, May 4 2025 6 Iyyar 5785