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<p>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis</p>
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<strong>Q. Should a <em>bracha</em> be recited on a solar eclipse, and if so which
<em>bracha</em> should be said?</strong></td>
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<p>A. Shulchan Aruch (OC 227:1) lists many natural events for which the <em>bracha</em> of ‘<em>Oseh Ma’aseh Breishis’</em> (‘He performs the acts of creation’) is recited, such as lightening, thunder and great winds. However, an eclipse is not included in
this list. It therefore may be presumed that a blessing is not recited. Why should this be? Isn’t an eclipse an incredible and awe inspiring event, as much so as thunder and lightning?</p>
<p>Rav Chaim David Halevi, former <em>Av Beis Din </em>of Tel Aviv and Yaffo, suggests in Teshuvos Asei Licha Rav (5:7) that
<em>‘Oseh Ma’aseh Breishis’ </em>is only recited for natural events, which are part of
<em>‘Ma’aseh Breishis’. </em>The Talmud (Sukkah 29a) states that the<em> <em>likui chama</em>,
</em>sun diminutions, is a response to man’s sinful behavior<em>.</em> It is a punishment and ominous sign. Many commentaries assume that
<em>likui chama</em> refers to solar eclipses. As such, ‘<em>Ma’aseh Breishis</em>‘ cannot be recited, since eclipses are not part of the natural sequence and order of creation.</p>
<p>How can an eclipse be a response to human conduct when eclipses occur at predictable points in time? See Maharal, Be’er Hagolah 6 and Aruch L’ner (Sukkah 29a).</p>
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