We’re so used to the sun, moon, and stars that we often forget the sheer miracle of their existence, their order, their reliable dance above us. But according to tradition, there's a blessing for that.

Vayikra Rabbah, a fascinating Midrashic collection, quotes Job (37:21), "Now they do not see the light," and then dives into a beautiful idea. It teaches that when you see the sun in its full brightness, the moon in its roundness, the planets in their orbit, or the signs of the zodiac aligned, you should recite a blessing: "Blessed…Who performed the act of Creation." It’s a moment of recognizing the divine artistry constantly unfolding around us.

Rav Huna even adds a little practical wisdom: this blessing is best recited after a few rainy days when the sky clears, and the sun finally breaks through. If you haven't seen the sun or moon for three days because of clouds, that first glimpse becomes an opportunity for profound gratitude.

But the Midrash doesn't stop there. It takes us into even deeper waters, exploring the idea of God's presence and how it relates to the suffering and redemption of the Jewish people. Rabbi Berekhya and Rabbi Yirmeya, citing Rabbi Levi bar Sisi, offer a powerful interpretation of Exodus 24:10: "They saw the God of Israel, and under His feet was like a configuration of sapphire brick, and like the very heavens in purity."

Before the Exodus, before the redemption from Egypt, God had a "sapphire brick" under His feet, a symbol of identification with the Israelites' suffering, specifically their hard labor "with mortar and bricks" (Exodus 1:14). The Zohar, a central text of Kabbalah, also touches on this idea of God metaphorically sharing in human suffering, a concept that can be both comforting and challenging.

But after the redemption, everything changed. The brick was no longer under God's feet. Instead, there was a view "like the very heavens in purity." It's as if once the Israelites were freed, God's presence shifted to reflect their newfound freedom and clarity.

Rabbi Berekhya clarifies that the verse doesn't say "sapphire brick," but "like the configuration." It emphasizes the symbolic nature, suggesting that the brick and all its tools – its basket and trowel – were "placed" away. Bar Kappara adds another layer, saying that before the redemption, the imprint of that brick was even visible in the sky. But after, it vanished, leaving only the clear, unblemished heavens.

What does it all mean? Perhaps it’s a reminder that God is with us in our suffering, bearing witness to our struggles. And perhaps it's a testament to the transformative power of redemption, of moving from hardship to a state of clarity and peace.

Next time you look up at the sky, especially after a storm, remember the sapphire brick. Remember the suffering and the freedom. And maybe, just maybe, offer a blessing for the act of Creation, for the constant renewal and the enduring promise of light after darkness.