As the sun rises, so does a rare Jewish ritual.
At 6:27 a.m. the sun began to rise to begin an event that happens just once every 28 years -- the Blessing of the Sun.
The event marks the sun's return to the original position it held when God created the world, according to Jewish tradition.
The rare occurrence is marked with unprecedented crowds. Hundreds of devout Jews gathered in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn along with thousands more around New York and the country to celebrate the event.
Wednesday's Blessing of the Sun falls on the eve of Passover, making the event even more unusual. It is said in Jewish tradition that this has only happened twice in history.
The next Blessing of the Sun will be on April 8, 2037.
