Notable Sources
All Sources
A
Divine ConstellationsTANAKH
Divine Constellations
TANAKH
The constellations we see in the night sky are attributed to a divine creator. The Book of Job discusses the creation of specific constellations like the Bear, Orion, and Pleiades, emphasizing their divine origin.
Abram and the StarsSECOND TEMPLE
Abram and the Stars
SECOND TEMPLE
Abram, later known as Abraham, is credited with introducing the science of astronomy to the Egyptians, showcasing his profound wisdom. In his first-century historical work, Josephus recounts how Abram's teachings on astronomy were accepted and respected by the Egyptians.
The Controversy of the Divine ChariotCHASIDUT
The Controversy of the Divine Chariot
CHASIDUT
Maimonides' interpretation of Ezekiel's vision as a description of the workings of the solar system sparked significant controversy and opposition. Rabbi Gershon Chanokh Leiner of Radzin explores the complexities and contradictions in Maimonides' explanations.
The Astronomical Significance of PassoverMUSAR
The Astronomical Significance of Passover
MUSAR
The alignment of the sign of Aries with Passover during the Exodus is a unique astronomical event that underscores the significance of this date in Jewish history. Rabbi Isaiah HaLevi Horowitz’s 17th-century work, Shenei Luchot HaBerit, explores the celestial alignment of Aries with the fifteenth of Nissan, the date of Passover.
The Smallness of the Settled WorldTALMUD
The Smallness of the Settled World
TALMUD
The relative positions of the constellations Ursa Major and Scorpio illustrate the smallness of the settled world compared to the entire world. This baraita from the Babylonian Talmud uses astronomy to make a profound point about the proportion of the settled world.
Celestial Phenomena in Jewish TraditionTALMUD
Celestial Phenomena in Jewish Tradition
TALMUD
The Talmud offers a fascinating perspective on celestial phenomena, particularly comets, through the lens of Jewish tradition. The Gemara in Berakhot discusses the nature of zikin (comets) and their interactions with constellations, providing various explanations for their appearance and movement.
The Movement of the HeavensMIDRASH
The Movement of the Heavens
MIDRASH
The sages debated whether the Zodiac is stationary with the planets moving or if the Zodiac itself is in motion. The Ein Yaakov, a 15th-century compilation of talmudic stories, parables, and biblical interpretation, captures ancient Jewish perspectives on astronomy and cosmology.
The Celestial Influences of Pleiades and OrionCOMMENTARY
The Celestial Influences of Pleiades and Orion
COMMENTARY
Malbim believed that specific constellations, such as the Pleiades and Orion, are responsible for emanating cold and heat, respectively. In his 19th-century commentary on Job, Malbim integrates contemporary scientific knowledge with traditional Jewish texts.
The Philosophical Wonder of the HeavensSECOND TEMPLE
The Philosophical Wonder of the Heavens
SECOND TEMPLE
Philo of Alexandria explores how the human soul's curiosity about the heavens leads to philosophical contemplation. Philo, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, harmonizes Jewish theology with Greek philosophy, particularly Platonic thought.
The Mystical Connection Between Constellations and MonthsKABBALAH
The Mystical Connection Between Constellations and Months
KABBALAH
The twelve constellations and the twelve months of the year are deeply interconnected with the divine Name. In the 13th-century Kabbalistic work Sha'arei Orah, Rabbi Joseph Gikatilla explores the mystical connections between the constellations, months, and divine names.
The Mystical CosmosTALMUD
The Mystical Cosmos
TALMUD
The Jerusalem Talmud offers a mystical and symbolic perspective on the cosmos, blending spiritual significance with astronomical observations. This passage from the Jerusalem Talmud, an ancient corpus of law, ethics, and stories from the land of Israel, Tractate Rosh Hashanah delves into the spiritual and symbolic meanings of celestial bodies and their movements.
The Celestial ClockCOMMENTARY
The Celestial Clock
COMMENTARY
The celestial bodies were created not just for illumination but to structure time and mark significant moments. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s commentary on Genesis 1:14 explores the purpose of the sun, moon, and stars in the divine plan for measuring time and marking sacred events.
The Complexity of the Lunar MonthHALAKHAH
The Complexity of the Lunar Month
HALAKHAH
The detailed calculation and adjustment of the lunar month based on the conjunction of the moon and the sun highlight the complexity and variability in these astronomical calculations as understood by Jewish scholars. In the 12th-century Sabbath Epistle, Abraham Ibn Ezra defends the traditional view of when Shabbat begins, incorporating intricate astronomical calculations to justify the Jewish calendar.
Calculating the Solar YearHALAKHAH
Calculating the Solar Year
HALAKHAH
The precise calculation of the solar year and the vernal equinox is crucial for understanding the Jewish calendar and its festivals. In his famed 12th-century code of Jewish law, Mishneh Torah, Rambam delves into the complexities of solar calculations and their impact on the Jewish calendar.
The Crescent Moon and the SunCOMMENTARY
The Crescent Moon and the Sun
COMMENTARY
The concave side of the crescent moon is never directed towards the sun, a fascinating astronomical observation. Rabbi Ovadiah Bartenura’s commentary on the Mishnah, the first codification of Jewish law from the early third-century land of Israel, clarifies the process of sanctifying the new moon, crucial for the Jewish calendar.
