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Description
xEvery twenty - eight years, for a few hours on a Wednesday morning in April, throngs of Jews fill streets, sidewalks, rooftops, and parks for one of the most infrequent rituals in Judaism. It marks the return of the sun to the exact place it occupied on the fourth day of Creation on the same day and at the same hour that the sun began to shine in the primordial heavens.
The Bircas haChammah ritual bears testimony to our faith that there is a Creator - a constant Creator Who preserves and renews His universe - and that there is a scheme and purpose to His creation.
"Raise your eyes on high and see Who created these, " declares the Prophet Isaiah. Satellites and telescopes constantly reveal that the cosmos is greater and more complex than we could possibly imagine and make us marvel all the more at the greatness of the One Who brought it into existence. The Blessing of the Sun reminds us anew not only of what happened"In the beginning..." but also calls upon us to ponder our duty to fashion our lives and our planet to bring the purpose of Creation to fruition.
Unlike the monthly cycle of the moon, which is obvious, the 28 - year cycle of the sun is not at all noticeable to the naked eye. How is it calculated? Was it known to the ancients? How do Jews reconcile the solar and lunar calendars? What are the appropriate prayers for this rare event, and what do they mean? What is the hashkafic/philosophical background and message of the observance? Why are there discrepancies in the astronomical calculations of the sages of the Talmud?
This comprehensive book answers these questions. It includes the complete prayer service for Bircas haChammah, with translation and commentary. It explains the astronomical calculations and illuminates the Talmudic background.
The author, Rabbi J. David Bleich, is an outstanding scholar, posek, Rosh Yeshivah, and prolific author, whose many books and articles present complex subjects with rare clarity and accuracy. He has researched the entire corpus of Rabbinic literature on this subject, including many rare works that have long been out of print. The result is a masterful treatment of a little known subject.
In his Overviews, presents an eloquent and inspiring call for people to scale moral and spiritual heights, and to make themselves worthy servants of the One Who said, "Let there be luminaries in the firmament of the Heaven."
The first edition of this work appeared in 1980 and brought awareness of Bircas haChammah to multitudes of people to whom it was previously unknown. In the twenty - eight years since, Torah study has reached new heights in the English - speaking world. Let us pray that when tens of thousands of people hold this work and pronounce the blessing on a Wednesday morning in April, it will be with a resolve to bring new light to our own lives and to the world.
| Code: | 9780899061757 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Rabbi J. David Bleich |
| ISBN-10: | 0899061753 |
| ISBN-13: | 9780899061757 |
| Format: | Hardcover |
| Pages: | 244 |
| Dimensions: | 6.3" x 9.3" |
| Publisher: | Artscroll Mesorah Publications |
| Date: | 1/12/2009 |
Shipping & Return
xReturn Policy
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- My item was damaged/defective when I opened my box
At Judaica.com we stand behind the quality of the products we offer on our website. We understand that sometimes an item arrives damaged, and we will issue a full refund, exchange the product, or offer you a store credit.
Before returning merchandise, contact our customer service department by phone at 1-(888)765-5620, or email us at help@judaica.com, specifying your order confirmation number. Our customer service representative will provide you with a Return Authorization Number which should be referenced and included in the package. We will keep you informed as the return process and refund are completed. We accept returns on any Judaica.com item still in its original packaging for up to 30 days after delivery.
- I received the wrong item
We are sorry to hear that! From time to time, things can get mixed up. If you have received the wrong item we will gladly ship out the correct order to you, and we’ll provide you with a return label for the incorrect item. Contact our customer service department by phone at 1-(888)765-5620, or email us at help@judaica.com, specifying your order confirmation number . Our customer service representative will arrange to have your new order shipped out and provide you with a Return Authorization Number which should be referenced and included in the package when sending us the return item. We accept returns on any Judaica.com item still in its original packaging for up to 30 days after delivery.
- My order wasn’t delivered on time
In order to better serve you, we offer an option for you to choose your desired delivery date on the checkout page. If you selected a “deliver by” date, and your order didn't arrive on time, your order is eligible for a full refund or store credit. Before returning merchandise, contact our customer service department by phone at 1-(888)765-5620, or email us at help@judaica.com, specifying your order confirmation number.
Our customer service representative will provide you with a Return Authorization Number which should be referenced and included in the package. Please allow 7-14 business days from the date we receive your return, for it to be processed and for your refund or store credit to reflect on your account. We will keep you informed as the return process and refund are completed. We accept returns on any Judaica.com item still in its original packaging for up to 30 days after delivery.
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If you did not select a desired delivery date and you wish to return your order, contact our customer service department by phone at 1-(888)765-5620, or email us at help@judaica.com, specifying your order confirmation number.
Our customer service representative will provide you with a Return Authorization Number which should be referenced and included in the package. You will be responsible for the shipping costs associated with returning your order. A 15% restocking fee is applied when returning seasonal items. Please allow 7-14 business days from the date we receive your return, for it to be processed and for your refund or store credit to reflect on your account. We will keep you informed as the return process and refund are completed.
Please note: We will process returns for items still in their original packaging. Additionally, if you received free shipping on an order due to our $99 free-shipping policy and the returned items bring the total value of your original order to less than $99, the costs associated with shipping your order both ways will be deducted from your total refund.
- I’d like to return my gift
When returning gift items still in their original packaging you are eligible for store credit or exchange only. You have 90 days from the date of purchase to return an unwanted or damaged gift.
Before returning merchandise, contact our customer service department by phone at 1-(888)765-5620, or email us at help@judaica.com, specifying your order confirmation number. Our customer service representative will provide you with a Return Authorization Number which should be referenced and included in the package. You will be responsible for the shipping costs associated with returning your item(s). Please allow 7-14 business days from the date we receive your return, for it to be processed and for your store credit to reflect on your account. We will keep you informed as we process your return and issue your store credit. If you are exchanging the item you will be issued a new order confirmation number and we will provide you with the tracking information once we ship the item(s).
- I changed my mind...
We accept returns on any Judaica.com item still in its original packaging for up to 30 days after delivery. You are eligible for a full refund minus the shipping costs associated with returning your order. Additionally, if you received free shipping on an order due to our $99 free-shipping policy and the returned items bring the total value of your original order to less than $99, the costs associated with shipping your order both ways will be deducted from your total refund.
Refunds, exchanges and store credit for seasonal items are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
Before returning merchandise, contact our customer service department by phone at 1-(888)765-5620, or email us at help@judaica.com, specifying your order confirmation number. Our customer service representative will provide you with a Return Authorization Number which should be referenced and included in the package. Please allow 7-14 business days from the date we receive your return, for it to be processed and for your refund or store credit to reflect on your account. We will keep you informed as the return process and refund are completed.
Personalized items: Customized and personalized items (eg. engraved, embroidered, inscribed items) are final sale and are not eligible for return.
- International return policy:
We accept returns on any Judaica.com item still in its original packaging for up to 30 days after delivery.
Damaged Items: We understand that sometimes an item arrives damaged. For international orders we offer a full refund when presented with sufficient photo proof of the damaged shipment. Please contact our customer service department by phone at 1-(888)765-5620, or email us at help@judaica.com, specifying your order confirmation number.
Wrong Item: We are sorry to hear that! From time to time, things can get mixed up. If you have received the wrong item please contact our customer service department by phone at 1-(888)765-5620, or email us at help@judaica.com, specifying your order confirmation number. With sufficient photo proof we can begin the process of getting the correct item to you.
Returns and Gift Returns: We accept returns on any Judaica.com item still in its original packaging. You are eligible for a full refund minus the shipping costs associated with returning your order, seasonal items are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
Before returning merchandise, contact our customer service department by phone at 1-(888)765-5620, or email us at help@judaica.com, specifying your order confirmation number. Our customer service representative will provide you with a Return Authorization Number which should be referenced and included in the package. Please allow 7-14 business days from the date we receive your return, for it to be processed and for your refund or store credit to reflect on your account. We will keep you informed as the return process and refund are completed.
Personalized Items: Customized and personalized items (eg. engraved, embroidered, inscribed items) are final sale and are not eligible for return.
Free Shipping Policy
Please review the chart below for estimated shipping deadlines.
*Exceptions include any made-to-order Judaica, or specialty items from Israel - this will be noted on the product page*
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- How much does shipping cost?
We are currently offering free ground shipping for every order over $99 being shipped in the US. For orders under $99, we offer $10 ground shipping. Exceptions include some wedding glass keepsakes and ketubahs that require customization
- How Long Will it Take to Get My Order?
Your order is important to us! We aim to ship all orders within one business day however, some items can take longer to process. Every product page has a feature that communicates the expected processing time for the item, it can be found in the “Availability” section located above the product description. Additionally, at peak times (such as before holidays - see below) it can take a bit longer for your order to leave our warehouse.
See the Shipping Map Below:
- But I really need my order fast...
We offer free standard shipping on most orders of $99 or more, but for a nominal fee you can select an expedited shipping method to receive your order sooner. Before selecting an expedited shipping method please check the availability messaging on the product page to determine when that product will be available to ship. Expedited shipping only reduces the amount of time your shipment spends in-transit, it does not expedite the availability of the item(s) you purchase.
- Which holidays could add to my shipping time?
For a detailed list of dates corresponding to the 2016 calendar year please click here.
Our Holiday schedule helps you plan ahead to make sure your deadlines are met, gifts arrive on time, and your business meets its goals. Judaica.com observes these and will not ship on the following Jewish holidays:
Rosh Hashanah: October 2-4
Yom Kippur: October 11-12
Sukkot: October 16-18, 23-25
Passover: April 10-13, 17-18
Shavuot: may 30-June 1
Additionally, there will be no shipping on the following public holidays:
Thanksgiving Day: November 23, 2016*
Christmas Eve: December 24, 2016**
Christmas: December 25, 2016
Christmas (Observed): December 26, 2016*
New Year's Eve: December 31, 2016**
New Year's Day: January 1, 2017
New Year's Day (Observed): January 2, 2017*
Memorial Day: May 30, 2017*
Independence Day: July 4, 2017*
Labor Day: September 4, 2017*
Orders placed around the above-mentioned holidays may experience additional processing and/or transit times, but we've got you covered! Just tell us that you want to be reminded of our shipping deadlines before significant dates (for example Passover or Rosh Hashanah) by joining our email notification list.
- Can you ship to a PO Box address?
To ensure the quickest delivery times please provide a physical address. Customers have found that using a business address, where available, was preferable to using a PO box. If you are unable to receive shipments to a physical address please contact us to ensure that your order can ship to a PO box.
- Can you ship internationally?
We absolutely can! We ship Internationally and to Hawaii and Alaska but we're not able to offer free shipping to these locations. Shipping costs will vary based on the size of your order and the shipping destination. Please note: We cannot guarantee expedited shipping on international orders.
- Can I change my shipping address after I place my order?.
Let us know as soon as possible. We can easily change the shipping address before your order is processed. However, once the order has been processed we need to reroute your package - a nominal fee applies for this service.
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