Star Light: An Ancient Discovery

Could ancient texts from over 2,000 years ago hold scientific truths about the stars that modern science has only recently uncovered? Join us on this fascinating exploration.

In the eyes of those observing the sky before the modern era, stars appeared as dots of white light. It was hard to imagine where this light came from or its nature, unlike the sun, which appeared as a burning ball of fire. As we now know, the sun's energy comes from various processes, including nuclear fusion and hydrogen burning.

Only in the 16th century did the first scientific proposal arise, suggesting that stars were sun-like bodies far from Earth. It wasn't until the 20th century that the hydrogen burning process within the sun was identified, leading to the understanding that starlight also comes from a similar burning process—discoveries made only about 100 years ago.

So what does Judaism say about this?

Over 2,000 years ago, Jewish texts explicitly stated that starlight originated from burning - "fire":

“Starlight, which is made of fire"

"The stars... fiery orbs"

(Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer, around 2,000 years ago)

This knowledge was so well-established that it influenced practical halachic decisions:

As is known, each week when Shabbat ends, we perform Havdalah. This ceremony signifies the end of Shabbat, adhering to the commandment: "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy" (Exodus 20:7) – "to sanctify the Sabbath and say things upon its entrance and exit" (Sefer HaMitzvot by Rambam). Therefore, Havdalah is similar to the Kiddush at Shabbat's start, but it marks the end of Shabbat. During Havdalah, among other things, we bless "Borei Me'orei Ha'Esh" over a burning candle.

But what does one do if walking on a path at Shabbat's end, without a candle?

"If he has no fire,

he extends his hand to the starlight, which is made of fire...

and says: Blessed is the Creator of the fire's lights"

(Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer, 20)

If someone lacks a candle, they can bless the starlight (!), for it is also fire.

This ruling is also found in other sources, here is one from the 12th century:

If he was on the way

he extends his hands to the starlight, which is fire

and says "Blessed is the Creator of the fire's lights"

(Sefer HaRokeach [12th century] Halachot of Havdalah, Section 356)

And more:

I found many of our great early Sages

[from the 11th to the 15th century]

who taught and ruled to do so

[to bless on the starlight during Havdalah]

practically and halachically"

(Rabbi Moshe Stern of Debrecen ZT"L

in Keren Shlomo booklet (second year, Issue 6, page 28 and onward),

from "Daf al haDaf" Pesachim 2a)

Amazing, isn't it?

Here are more traditional sources where it is ruled to bless "Borei Me'orei Ha'Esh" over the starlight:

• Seder Rav Amram Gaon
• Sha'arei Simcha by Rabbeinu Yitzchak Ibn Giat The laws of Havdalah
• Likutei Pardes by Rashi regarding Motza'ei Shabbat
• HaRokeach (Section 356)
• HaManhig in the law of Shabbat (Section 65)
• Shibolei HaLeket (End of Rule Two)
• Or Zarua on Motza'ei Shabbat (Section 93)

(Based on Teshuvot Tzitz Eliezer, 1:20 Chapter 13)

Important Note:

Blessing "Borei Me'orei Ha'Esh" over the starlight is not practiced in our time. Nowadays, the blessing is made over a candle alone and not on starlight for various reasons, including that the Shulchan Aruch did not bring it as a practical ruling (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Section 298), and also because the starlight is weak (Teshuvot Yabi'a Omer 1: Orach Chaim Section 18).

The text is derived from the book "Interwoven Worlds." To download and read the chapter in PDF format,PDF,click here.

The author holds a B.Sc in physics with honors from the Technion.