Jews & Eclipses

What is an eclipse?

An eclipse occurs when one celestial body (like the moon) moves into the shadow of another celestial body (like the sun), causing a temporary dimming or blocking of light. In a solar eclipse, the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, blocking sunlight. In a lunar eclipse, the Earth moves between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon. Eclipses are remarkable natural phenomena that have captured human curiosity and awe for centuries.

Biblical Eclipses

In the biblical books of Joshua, Amos, and Jonah, there are references to celestial phenomena that some scholars interpret as possibly describing eclipses or similar events.


In Joshua 10:12-14, during the battle of Gibeon, Joshua prays for the sun and the moon to stand still, extending daylight to allow the Israelites to defeat their enemies. This event is often interpreted as a miraculous suspension of the natural order, possibly involving a prolonged solar eclipse or an unusual atmospheric phenomenon.


In Amos 8:9, the prophet Amos warns of a day when the sun will go down at noon and the earth will be darkened on a clear day. This description could be interpreted as an eclipse, symbolizing a time of darkness and judgment.


In Jonah 4:8, after Jonah's anger at God's mercy toward Nineveh, God provides a plant to shade Jonah from the scorching sun. Then, God appoints a worm to attack the plant, causing it to wither and the sun to beat down on Jonah's head. While not explicitly mentioning an eclipse, this passage illustrates the power of natural elements and their impact on human experience.


These biblical passages offer rich imagery and metaphorical significance, with celestial events often symbolizing divine intervention, judgment, or mercy in the narrative. While the specific nature of these events remains open to interpretation, they contribute to the vivid and symbolic language found throughout the biblical texts.

Rabbinic thoughts on eclipses

In the Talmud, particularly in tractate Sukkah 29a, eclipses are discussed as celestial phenomena that hold significance as omens. The passage explains that when the sun is in eclipse, it is considered a bad omen for idolaters, while a lunar eclipse is viewed as a bad omen for the Jewish people. This distinction is attributed to the fact that idolaters use a solar calendar, whereas Jews follow a lunar calendar. The Talmud further details that the implications of an eclipse vary depending on its location—whether it occurs in the east, west, or middle of the sky—which determines its specific effects on different regions of the world. This discussion in the Talmud reflects the ancient belief in celestial events as indicators of divine messages or warnings, with eclipses being interpreted as signs of potential calamity or upheaval.

Maimonides & eclipses

Moses Maimonides, a renowned medieval Jewish philosopher and scholar, addressed astrological phenomena such as eclipses in his work "Mishneh Torah: Sefer Madda." He discussed their scientific causes while emphasizing their religious significance, reflecting his belief in integrating scientific knowledge with religious faith. Maimonides' approach to knowledge encompassed both empirical observation and religious insight, reflecting his broader aim of harmonizing reason and faith within Jewish tradition.

Modern thought on eclipses

Contemporary Jewish perspectives on eclipses vary widely. Some rabbis emphasize the scientific understanding, viewing eclipses as predictable natural phenomena rather than divine messages. They may advocate for reciting blessings during eclipses, following traditional practices to honor the event and appreciate the marvels of creation. However, other rabbis interpret eclipses more traditionally, considering them potential signs from God. While acknowledging the scientific explanation, they see eclipses as moments for introspection and spiritual contemplation, drawing on historical Jewish texts that discuss them as omens or warnings, encouraging people to reflect on their relationship with the divine.

This eclipse's timing

The alignment of this eclipse with the first day of the month of Nisan holds particular significance in the Jewish calendar. Nisan marks the beginning of the religious year and is considered a month of renewal and redemption. It is the month in which Passover, the festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, is celebrated. The convergence of the eclipse with the start of Nisan adds a layer of symbolic meaning, prompting contemplation of themes such as liberation, spiritual awakening, and the cyclical nature of time. For some, it may serve as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards personal and collective redemption, highlighting the interconnectedness of celestial events with spiritual and historical narratives in Jewish tradition.

What's the blessing for an eclipse?

In Jewish tradition, blessings (brakhot) are recited to express gratitude to God for various phenomena and experiences. While there is no specific blessing prescribed for eclipses in traditional texts, contemporary rabbinic authorities have considered the appropriateness of reciting blessings upon witnessing such awe-inspiring events. Suggestions for blessings for eclipses often draw upon existing blessings for natural phenomena or invoke themes of divine power and creation.

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