Q. Can you tell other people about a solar eclipse?
A. On the introduction to Chidushei Hagranat (p. 14- relating the life-history of Hagaon Rav Naftoli Trop zt”l) the following is quoted: Rabbi Shmuel Pliskin zt”l, a talmid of the Yeshiva in Radin, in an article published in the monthlyTorah Journal titled “Bais Yaakov” (Elul 5722/1962, Page 13 – relates that the Chofetz Chaim instructed the residents of Radin to view a solar eclipse (that occurred in Radin) to see how the Ribono Shel Olam slowly ceases the koach of the mighty sun, which is worshiped by some nations as an Avoda Zarah, to show that the sun was nivra (created) and is a not a borei (creator). He adds that next to the Yeshiva building, the bachurim were standing… and Rav Naftoli, the Rosh Hayeshiva was looking through a soot coated glass… and in awe exclaimed; you should not look (into the sun), but you should see and understand.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that indeed, if someone was to have a correct and propitious intention in his act of witnessing the greatness and beauty of Creation, as the Chofetz Chaim had, he would be commended for his participation, as he would for any similar mitzva.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
Important Numbers
