We often take it for granted, but Jewish tradition actually elevates it to something incredibly profound.

The ancient rabbis pondered this a lot, and in Bereshit Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic homilies on the Book of Genesis, we find some truly fascinating insights. Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba makes a bold statement: rain is of equal importance to techiyat hameitim, the revival of the dead!

That's a pretty big claim. But let's dig into it. Rabbi Abba and Rabbi Ḥiyya, citing Rabbi Abba, point out that the sages even placed the request for rain within the blessing for the revival of the dead in the Amidah, the central prayer of Jewish services. Why? Because there are striking parallels between the two. : both involve a “hand” and an “opening up.” Ezekiel 37:1 speaks of "the hand of the Lord" in the context of resurrecting dry bones. Similarly, Psalm 145:16 says, "You open Your hand and amply feed all living beings," referring to God's provision. And just as Deuteronomy 28:12 promises, "The Lord will open up for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to provide the rain of your land," Ezekiel 37:12 declares, "Behold, I am opening up your graves…"

Rabbi Yudan, quoting Rabbi Elazar bar Avina, adds another layer: both rain and resurrection are associated with song! Isaiah 42:11 says, "Those who dwell in the rocks will sing," referring to the dead. And Psalm 65:14, speaking of rainfall, says, "They shout for joy and they sing [yashiru]."

But Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba doesn’t stop there. He suggests that rain is even greater than the revival of the dead. Why? Because resurrection only benefits people, specifically Israelites according to some opinions, while rain benefits both people and animals, Israelites and… well, everyone!

The text even recounts a conversation between Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korḥa and a non-Jew. The non-Jew points out that their celebrations are different, their joys are separate. But when rain falls, everyone rejoices together! As Psalm 66:1 says, "Shout to God, all the earth!" Not just priests, Levites, or Israelites, but all the earth.

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi adds a final, earthy touch: When the rain falls, the animals seek to mate. He interprets Psalm 65:14, "The meadows are covered with flocks of sheep [laveshu karim hatzon]," as a euphemism for rams covering the ewes. A vivid image of life, renewal, and the interconnectedness of all creation.

So, what does this all mean? It suggests that rain isn't just about water; it's about life, renewal, and universal blessing. It's a reminder that even in our differences, there are things that unite us all – a shared need for sustenance, a shared joy in the abundance of the earth. And maybe, just maybe, a shared song rising up to the heavens. Next time it rains, take a moment to appreciate the profound significance of those falling drops. It's more than just weather; it's a miracle we all share.