From Laila

Members of Temple Ahavat Achim in Gloucester gathered at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester at 7am. We are lucky enough to belong to a shul with an ocean view so our sense of gratitude for being able to mark this unusual 28 year cycle in our beautiful town was an added treat. 

Three amateur film-makers set out, wide-eyed, on what was, in the words of President Kennedy, "the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked." They did not know what they were getting into, but they soon found out. From the libraries to the luncheonettes, from the statues to the Smiths', these three auteurs dove deep into how the Sun, that great ball of fire, affects and influences our lives. What they returned with shall "shock and awe" audiences worldwide, and bring our eternal life-force its long overdue and well deserved respect.

Sun-Day
by joelnewb

Too bad it wasn't sunny; we promise, it wasn't our fault.

Special thanks to the Newton Public Library for so kindly acommodating our often disruptive film-making and to Johnny's Luncheonette for the French toast.

Special no-thanks to Whole Foods for banning cameras from their store...or at least trying to.

Step 4: Hametz becoming like the dust of the Earth because of the awesome power of the newly blessed Sun!

Step 3: Rosenfeld's bag and hametz go up in flames--no match for the power of the newly blessed Sun!

Step 2: Magnifying glass harnesses the power of the newly blessed Sun to set match on fire!

Step 1: Hametz ready for burning using the power of the newly blessed Sun.

The Sun at 6ish. Not yet blessed.

If the Sun were the size of this koosh ball (15cm) the Earth would be the size of a mustard seed and be about 30 meters away!

Miasma of Gasma

Newton Centre Minyan at Hebrew College

The renowned astronomer Howard Smith locates Hebrew College in the solar system.

It's actually pretty dark at this point; hence the blurry people. They're not THAT fast.

Chestnut Hill Reservoir

Mr. Rosenberg and Rachel Silverman joined a group of other Brookline/Brighton people to say Birkat Hachamah at the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. 

Where did you say it?

Name That Tune!

For all your music buffs out there, here is a challenge. Here are some sun-related song clips. How many can you name?




Three things to note:
1. There are 18 song clips. That was on purpose. 18 = חי
2. The length of the clip is 56 seconds. Fifty-six divided by two...equals...28! Isn't that nifty?
3. The first 2 people to correctly identify all 18 songs will win a prize. I don't know what that prize will be - we'll all be surprised.

Two more things to note:
1. Are you impressed with the Wordle? Make your own here.
2. The clip ends with some good advice. Follow it and wear sunscreen!

Birkat HaChamah hits NYC!

If the following story wasn't true, it would be the obvious headline for the April 8th, 2009 edition of The Onion. See what happened in 1897 when a group of Jews tried to bless the sun...and please, call the police and tell them what you're doing before you gather in public to say Birkat HaChamah!