According to some fascinating legends, they're not exactly thrilled.

Imagine this: before the sun and moon embark on their daily journey across the sky, they appear before God. But instead of eagerly awaiting their task, they actually beg to be relieved of it! Why? Because, as Ginzberg recounts in Legends of the Jews, they dread witnessing the sins of humanity. It's only under divine compulsion that they proceed at all. Talk about a tough job!

And the journey itself isn't a cakewalk. Leaving God's presence, they're blinded by the sheer radiance of the heavens. They can't even find their way! So, God shoots arrows of light to guide them. It makes you think about all the unseen forces at play, doesn't it?

The sun, in particular, seems to bear the brunt of our collective misdeeds. As it travels, it's forced to witness all the sin in the world. This constant exposure takes a toll. The Zohar tells us that sins have a "defiling and enfeebling effect." That's why, as sunset approaches, the sun weakens, appearing as a sphere of blood, a symbol of corruption, before it dips below the horizon.

But it's not all doom and gloom. When the sun begins its ascent in the morning, something beautiful happens. Its "wings" – perhaps rays of light – brush against the leaves of the trees in Paradise. This vibration sets off a chain reaction, reaching the angels, the holy Hayyot (divine beings), and all the plants and trees, both in heaven and on Earth. It's a signal for everyone to look up.

And what do they see? The Ineffable Name, the unpronounceable name of God, engraved in the sun. As soon as they see it, they burst into songs of praise. At that moment, a heavenly voice cries out, "Woe to the sons of men that consider not the honor of God like unto these creatures whose voices now rise aloft in adoration." Powerful stuff. Of course, we humans don't hear this; we're too caught up in our own lives to notice.

We also miss the grating sound of the sun against the wheel to which all the celestial bodies are attached. Can you imagine the noise? It's said to be extraordinarily loud! This friction, surprisingly, is responsible for the motes that dance in sunbeams. These tiny particles are considered carriers of healing to the sick, a rare positive aspect of the fourth day of creation, which is otherwise seen as an unlucky day, especially for children.

Finally, there's the story of the moon. Originally, the moon was created to be equal in light and splendor to the sun. But, as the story goes, the moon became envious. As punishment, God diminished her light. As she fell from her position of equality, tiny threads broke loose from her body. And these, according to legend, became the stars.

So, the next time you look up at the sun, moon, or stars, remember these stories. Remember the weight of the world these celestial bodies carry, and the constant chorus of praise rising from creation. And maybe, just maybe, take a moment to consider how we, too, can contribute to a world worthy of their light.