Q&A: The Blessing “Creator of the Luminaries”
The Blessing “Creator of the Luminaries”
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Why is the blessing “Creator of the Luminaries” so significant in the prayer service? Relatively speaking, it is very long; it contains praise and glorification connected specifically to the creation of the luminaries, even though one could praise the Holy One, blessed be He, for so many things in His world. Why specifically praise for the luminaries in such an extensive way, and why specifically this content as part of the blessings before the Shema?
If this isn’t the right place for a question like this, I’d be glad for references to where I can read about it.
Thank you
Answer
I have no idea. Maybe it’s because in the past people used to worship those luminaries and regard them as gods, so they wanted to emphasize that the Holy One, blessed be He, also created them to serve us.
That makes it clear why it is placed before the Shema, which is the affirmation of God’s unity and the acceptance of the yoke of His kingship.
Discussion on Answer
Here, during the lecture, there are interesting points about the blessing “Creator of the Luminaries” and in connection with the Torah portion Ki Tavo, Elul, and Rosh Hashanah, from Rabbi Baruch Rosenblum.
Because “the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament tells of His handiwork.”