Question:What is the basis of Kiddush Levana, why do we say this blessing on the moon? When and where should the brocha be said and who is actually obligated to say it? Answer:Upon seeing the moon at the beginning of each month, we say a brocha called Bircas Halevana. saying this blessing is like greeting the Shechina. Beiur Halacha 426:2 explains that by recognising the moon fulfilling its mission consistently we show that we acknowledge Hashems control over all nature. The brocha should be said immediately upon seeing the moon and during the brocha and afterwards some say that one shouldn’t look at the moon again, however others are lenient to allow looking at it anytime during the seder of the blessing except during the brocha itself. According to Ashkenazim, one may say the Bracha up to 3 days after the molad, however according to Sephardic opinion, one should wait until 7 days after the molad. It’s proper to wait until Motzei Shabbos to say it. There is an Askenazi version of the blessing and also a Sephardic version. During the month of Tishrei, the brocha isn’t said before Yom Kippur but rather one should wait to say it right after Yom Kippur. During the month of Av, most have the minhag not to say Bircas Halevana prior to Tisha B’Av. Some say that it even shouldn’t be said right after Tisha B’Av but one should wait to say it in the next few days. According to strict halacha one is permitted to make the brocha on Shabbos and Yom Tov, but since the kabbalists recommend against it one shouldn’t do it unless he is running out of time to say it. Mishnah Brurah 426:12 rules that it is permitted to say kiddush levana on Shabbos and Yom Tov if it is necessary. In the Shaar Hatziyun 426:12 he adds a reason to try rather not to; since it is a mitzvah filled with happiness a person might come to dance and it is forbidden to dance on Shabbos. |
Rosh Chodesh
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