Creation and other Miracles

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Dear Rabbi Simon,
I hope you had a good Yom Tov.
The Sun stood still for Joshua (ch. 10) prolonging the day. Hundreds of years later, the day was shortened for King Chizkiyahu (2 Kings ch. 20).
Have these miracles caused observable astronomical effects?
Are there any other miracles in Tenach whose effects can be observed today?
In reply to my question, this link has some interesting examples which are completely unrelated to the question I asked about Yehoshua and Chizkiyahu: http://dinonline.org/2017/10/13/observable-consequences-of-miracles-in-tenach/
Shavua Tov,
Alistair

Dear Alistair,
TY for your thought-provoking question. The Din-Online personnel seem to think they have answered your question, although not with regard to astronomical phenomena.
Shulhan Arukh OH 218 (based on the Talmud) prescribes a blessing to be recited upon seeing places where various biblical miracles occurred, several of which are identified specifically. So there was a presumption, at least in ancient times, that evidence of some miracles endures.
I am not aware of observable astronomical effects which linger from the miracles to which you refer. However some have suggested that the greatest miracle of all—creation ex nihilo—is to be associated with the cosmological theory of the Big Bang. This is the “let there be light” of Genesis, the effects of which, ie the observable universe, are very much with us today.
Rabbi Rashi Simon

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Ask the Rabbi: Quinoa on Pesach
Dear Rabbi Simon,
Where do you stand on quinoa (and the kitniyot ban) for Pesach?
Many thanks,
Tzippy
***
Dear Tzippy,
In line with other American authorities, I am in favour of quinoa. Although I reject completely the voices (mostly from Israel) seeking to abolish the ban on kitniyot entirely, IMO we do not need to include in the prohibition pseudo-grains that were unknown in the Old World until modern times. Best to buy with a Pesach hechsher though, to be free of any possible wheat contamination.
Rabbi Rashi Simon
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