Western-Star.com

Area residents can gather at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the Jewish Discovery Center to be a part of the rarest event on the Jewish calendar.

The "Blessing of the Sun" ritual — called Birkat Hachamah in Hebrew — is performed once every 28 years on a specific Wednesday morning in the spring when Jews calculate that the sun returns to the same position in the sky it occupied, and at the same time of the week, as it was at the time of creation, 5,769 years ago.

Participants at the center, which is located at 7587 Central Parke Blvd, will join millions of people worldwide who will perform the outdoor blessing ritual at synagogues, schools, beaches, public parks and private homes.

They will gather together, peer upward toward the sun, and recite a blessing known as "the Blessing of the Sun."

According to Rabbi Yosef Kalmanson, executive director of the Jewish Discovery Center, the focus of the service is to thank God for "reenacting the works of creation," and includes a brief selection of Psalms and other texts.

A second blessing expresses one's gratitude for having "granted us life, preserved us, and enabled us to reach this moment."

Kalmanson said he will deliver a short address on the significance of the event.

"More Jews in more places will participate in this rare opportunity than ever before," he said. "This unique ritual will connect people worldwide in always remembering the Divine miracles of daily existence."

Lana Bashari of Mason said she is eager to participate.

"Our children are really excited to wake up early and make the blessing over the sun," she said. "Some Jewish observances are accessible each moment, others only once a year. This rare ritual is something my children will tell their children about."

For more information, call (513) 234-0777 or visit jdiscovery.com.