Inspiration from a Total Eclipse of the Sun

In this 1-minute audio lesson, Rabbi Nachman Simon, highlights the awe and appreciation of the Creator, the One True G-d, that is inspired by the unusual event of a total solar eclipse. Most recently, this has happened in the Western Hemisphere on April 8, 20’24. There, it was the Eve of the New Moon of the month of Nissan in the Hebrew calendar. In the Land of Israel, it was already the first of Nissan, two weeks before Passover.

From our perspective on the surface of our planet Earth, our sun and moon have exactly the same apparent diameter. By Divine Providence, this makes it possible for the moon to exactly eclipse the diameter of the sun. None of the other planets in our solar system have a moon that ever produces such a phenomenon.

As the Baal Shem Tov taught, everything that a person sees can be a source for learning a lesson about serving G-d. The case at hand has a connection with one of the Seven Noahide Commandments.

The phenomena of the sun or the moon being eclipsed surely provided Abraham with arguments against the foolishness of idolaters who chose to worship the sun, and other idolaters who chose to worship the moon. (To purchase the DVD of the animated film Young Abraham, click here.)

With our modern technology, a total eclipse of the sun can be viewed simultaneously around the world, and it is! This highlights the fact that everyone in the world can unite together at the same time as one human community. This can happen when they all have a common interest and a common goal. When Moshiach, the true Messiah, is revealed speedily in our days, he will provide that for everyone.