A Blood Moon on Purim: Signs in the Sky and Messages for Our Time
This year, Purim lines up with something truly rare—a full lunar eclipse, the kind that turns the moon deep red, known as a “blood moon.” According to astronomers, it’ll last about 65 minutes and be visible mostly in the Americas and parts of Asia and Africa. While people around the world will be watching in wonder, many of us are also tuning in to something deeper: the feeling that we’re witnessing signs that carry meaning.
In Jewish tradition, the moon represents the nation of Israel. It waxes and wanes, just as our history has had its ups and downs—but like the moon, we always return, always shine again. The Talmud talks about lunar eclipses as bad omens for Israel (or the nations) depending on where in the sky they appear. But there's an important caveat—when we’re doing our part, we have nothing to fear.
The timing here is striking. This eclipse falls right at the start of Purim. In Jerusalem, it happens just before Shushan Purim, which is already a day full of layered meaning. Purim itself is all about hidden miracles—when the Divine presence is concealed but still orchestrating everything perfectly behind the scenes.
Think about that for a second: a blood moon (a naturally “hidden” moon, shadowed and red) during a holiday that’s all about how nothing is as random as it seems.
Some rabbis say this eclipse may be a warning or message for the nations of the world, particularly those waging war against Israel or seeking to divide Jerusalem. Others see it as a wake-up call for Jews in the diaspora—especially in the U.S.—to remember that history tends to repeat itself when we get too comfortable in exile. The story of Purim reminds us how fast things can change... but also, how fast redemption can come when we reconnect to our truth.
Astrologically, full moons are always a time of culmination, exposure, and release. Emotions rise, clarity hits, and sometimes long-hidden truths come to light. Blood moons take that intensity up a notch. They’re like flashing red lights in the sky saying: pay attention.
So how do we align with this energy?
- Slow down and listen. You don’t have to know exactly what’s happening to feel that something is. Make space for quiet—journaling, prayer, meditation, or just stepping outside to look up.
- Do a personal “Purim reset.” What masks are you still wearing? What part of your story needs to be rewritten with courage and faith?
- Reconnect to your people. Purim is all about community—giving, gathering, celebrating together. We’re not meant to face uncertain times alone.
- Get back to your roots. Whether it’s lighting candles, learning Torah, or just saying Shema with intention, every little act brings light into the world.
It’s no accident that these signs are appearing in Adar, the month when joy is meant to increase. Purim reminds us that even when things look dire (even when the sky turns blood red!), the tables can turn in an instant.
We’re living in a historic moment. You can feel it. So much is being revealed right now—politically, spiritually, globally—and the eclipse is just one of many signs pointing us toward a deeper shift. But within all the upheaval, there’s tremendous hope.
The moon may darken, but it always returns to full. That’s us.
And just like in the Purim story, when the fog clears, we might see that the miracle was unfolding all along.
Featured Art:
Dance of Geula by Leah Luria
