Don’t be left in the dark during eclipse
Eclipse fever is up, with many looking forward to the “Great American Eclipse” on Monday.
These highlights should keep us out of the dark, or allow us to view the dark in a different light. We in upstate New York have frontrow seats to this astronomical phenomenon.
I initially didn’t think much of the eclipse, but when I realized how close we are, my fascination grew. I started researching and even made plans to take a family day trip to witness this celestial event.
After the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, the reality is that every Jew has box seats. That day changed our paradigm. Willingly or unwillingly, we are all called to the front lines no matter levels of observance.
It’s time to do a little research and find out what it means to be a Jew. Delve into the beauty of our Torah and traditions, and you’ll likely start making plans to partake and be a part of this up-close.
But what if you don’t have front-row seats?
This whole craze is about a predictable and momentary occurrence. There is no miracle happening. It’s a quick three-minute “Passover” of the moon over the sun.
In truth, there is no such thing as, “just a little passover”. Don’t just Pass-over Passover! We all know that the Passover’s message of freedom from slavery and oppression by antisemites is never more timely than now.
Let’s make this year’s Passover better than ever, by taking our seder plans to the next level, inviting friends, and sharing traditional handmade Shmurah matzah.
Safety is crucial. “Eclipse glasses.” You need the right glasses. It’s all about perspective, and we need that to ensure we’re being safe. The Torah is our glasses, offering moral clarity for life’s challenges. What could be a better manual for the game of life than the manual its Creator has given us.
What does this divine manual have to say about Eclipses?
Here’s your case study: Kabbalah sees solar eclipses, as a symbol of our inner light being obscured. But even in darkness, there’s something to learn. Each creation praises its Creator through song. What does the sun sing? Surprisingly, it sings about the time of its eclipse: “The sun, when covered by the moon, stood in its abode (Habakuk 3:9).”
Solar eclipses remind us that light and shadow coexist. Just as the sun persists, we too can find strength in challenges. Let’s embrace both the light and the moments of obscurity.
May this Passover illuminate and guide us toward a greater understanding with our Divine calling.