To The Editor:
On Av 29, 5759 (August 11, 1999), there will be a total
eclipse of the sun, visible over Jerusalem. This is just two
days before the beginning of the month of Elul, when we begin
a 40 day period of repentance, culminating in Yom Kippur.
Recall that the eclipse of the sun is considered a bad omen
for the umos:
"When the sun is in eclipse it is a bad omen for the nations;
when the moon is in eclipse, it is a bad omen for Yisroel,
since Yisroel reckons by the moon and the nations by the sun.
. . . But when Yisroel fulfill the will of Hashem, they need
have no fear of these signs as it is said, Thus saith the L-
rd, `Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at
the signs of heaven, for the nations are dismayed at them'
(Yirmiya 10) -- the nations will be dismayed, but
Yisroel will not be dismayed" ( Sukkah 29)
Yours Truly,
Amnon Goldberg
Tel Aviv
