Birkat Halevana

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During the beginning of the lunar month the moon is situated between the earth and the sun, thus causing the illuminated side of the moon to face away from the earth. A few days into the new month, the moon makes its appearance gradually until it reaches its fullness, when it then wanes again. Our Sages instituted that upon seeing the moon at its first stages after renewal one is to recite a blessing called Birkat Halevana (Hebrew: ברכת הלבנה, tran. Blessing of The Moon), or Kiddush Levana (Hebrew: קידוש לבנה, trans. Sanctification of the Moon).[1]

Phases of the moon

This monthly ritual is performed outdoors at night in the first half of the month, in which this blessing along with a series of additional prayers are recited for the new moon.

The source of this blessing appears in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 42a) where the sages equate one who blesses the new moon on its proper time to one who greets the Divine Presence.[2] The commentators explain that by reciting this blessing of the new moon, one in essence recalls that it is God who created the universe, and this realization in turn is tantamount to experiencing the Divine Presence.[3]

Another aspect of this ritual is in order for us to internalize a significant lesson that emerges when comparing the history of the Nation of Israel and the cycle of the moon: just as the moon is "reborn" after a period of its decrease and extinction, so too, our nations decline will end and its light will once again radiate in full vibrancy. This ritual in effect instills in our hearts this much-needed message of hope.[4]

Basics

  1. Since this blessing involves greeting the Divine Presence, it is most proper, when possible, for it to be recited while standing. [5] When not feasible (eg. a elderly or sick person), this blessing may be recited in a sitting position.[6]
  2. It is also preferable, when possible, that this blessing not be recited indoors but, rather, outdoors under open skies, as is the way to go greet someone of prominent stature. [7] Preferably one should also not be positioned beneath a roof or overhang.[8] When not feasible, this recommended condition may be waived, provided the moon's illumination is visible indoors to the reciter (eg. through a window or door). [9]
  3. It is proper to be clothed with dignity while reciting this blessing, as one would dress before greeting someone of prominent stature. Some have the custom to wear special Shabbat garments, even while reciting this blessing during an ordinary weekday. [10]
  4. Since this ritual involves such great allusion the ultimate convalesce of our nation, it is customary to break into frolic dance after its completion. [11]

When It Should Be Said

  1. According to Ashkenazim, one may recite the Bracha three days after the molad; however, according to Sephardim, in general, one should wait until seven days after the molad.[12] In this context, days are counted as 24 hour periods.[13] It is proper to wait until Motzei Shabbat (Saturday night) to recite Birkat Halevana.[14]
  2. During the month of Tishrei, Birkat Halevana isn't recited prior to Yom Kippur; rather it should be said right after Yom Kippur.[15]
  3. During the month of Av, most have the minhag not to say Kiddush Levana prior to Tisha BeAv.[16] Some say that it shouldn't be said right after Tisha BeAv, but in the next few days.[17]
  4. One may recite Birkat Halevana until 15 days after the molad, however, on the 16th day one should recite it without Shem UMalchut. Some say that one may only say it until 14¾ days after the molad.[18] A chart of the time of the upcoming molads is printed here (see note for calculation)[19]:
  5. The strict halacha allows reciting Birkat Halevana on Shabbat and Yom Tov, but, since the Kabbalists recommend against it, one shouldn't do it unless one is running out of time to recite the Beracha.[20]

Looking at the Moon

  1. One should look at the moon prior to reciting the Bracha. Some hold that one should only look at the moon once and not look at it again, whereas others are lenient to allow looking at it anytime during the Seder of Birkat Halevana except during the Bracha itself.[21]
  2. If one recited Birkat Halevana without looking at the moon but with a tzibbur, one fulfills his obligation after the fact.[22]

Explanation of the Text

  1. The text of this blessing, as it appears in the Talmud, reads: Blessed are you God.. Who with his utterance created the heavens.. Who renews the months, etc.[23] In this blessing, we express our recognition of God's awesome power over the universe. As such, one should be vigilant to recite this blessing with full intent, devotion, and elation.[24] It is customary to also recite additional appropriate texts and passages, the "Shalom Aleichem" greeting [25] and, for Ashkenazim, the "Aleinu" prayer[26].
  2. The verse "Just as I dance toward you but cannot touch you, so may none of my enemies be able to touch me for evil" and many that follow in the text are repeated three times in order to give emphasis to these special messages. Upon the recital of this verse, one is to rise on his toes as if in a dance.[27]
  3. After mankind's first successful Lunar surface landing in July 20, 1969, there were those who felt that this last mentioned verse should now read:"Just as I dance toward you but do not touch you", most however argued, explaining that, to us here at earth, the moon is classified as 'unable to be touched'.[28]
  4. Some have written that praying "May I be saved from toothaches" after the recital of this last verse "none of my enemies be able to touch me for evil" is auspicious for being saved from toothaches.[29]
  5. As was mentioned above, the phases of the moon are equated to the Davidic dynasty, where we are confident that our nation's "diminished" power will soon end and its light will soon illuminate to fullness. It is therefore the custom to recite the verse "David, King of Israel, is alive and enduring".[30] Some communities then follow the recital of this verse with the recital of the word "Amen", three times. One should take care to pause between each Amen [31] unless his recital is in private, in which case one is not obligated to pause.[32]

Women

  1. According to most authorities this blessing is a time-bound commandment, thus exempting women from obligation of its recital.[33]
  2. When it comes to other time-bound commandments there is a dispute between the Sephardic and Ashkenazic authorities as to whether they may opt-in and recite the blessing if they so wish.[34] When it comes to this blessing however, the widespread custom is that all women do not in fact recite it.[35] Some suggest that women should attempt to hear the blessing recited by a man who has in mind that the blessing be behalf of them as well.[36]

Blind

  1. The authorities dispute whether a blind person is obligated in this blessing or not.[37] Many suggest that he should listen to another while having in mind to fulfill his obligation.[38]

Hebrew Text

  1. Ashkenazic text of Birkat Halevana: Wikisource.org.
  2. Sephardic text of Birkat Halevana: Sefaria.org.

Sources

  1. ↑ Some Ashkenazic greats termed this blessing "Kiddush Halevana, see for instance Maharil (Rosh Chodesh, Siman 9) and Rama 426:2. Rabbi Yosef Qafih (The Guide for the Perplexed, 2:5 fn. 15) however, writes that the name "Birkat Halevana" is more correct as that is what is found in all earlier sources. See Hegyonei Haparsha Shemot (p. 132) who documents that the Or Zaruah (456), Shibolei Haleket (167) and Tur (426) all use the title Birkat Halevana, as opposed to the Eshkol (Birchot Hodah 23:3) and Maharil (Rosh Chodesh) who termed it Kiddush Levana. In explaining the term this latter term, he cites the To'ameha Chaim (37) who brings that Midrash Rabba (Shemos Rabba 15) states that God gave the Jewish people the moon as his betrothal gift, with that he explains that this term highlights the relationship between God and the Jewish people which is comparable to an Halachic marriage, kiddushin.
  2. ↑ Sanhedrin 42a. See Divrei Yatziv (Orach Chaim 278) for a discussion as to why this blessing is only first introduced here.
  3. ↑ Levush (426:1) explains that this blessing was specifically designated to the moon over other stars or planets because it is the moon that is closest to us on earth, easily enabling us to constantly recognize God's control over the universe. Aruch Hashulchan 426:2 also cites this reason. C.f. Sefer Hachinuch 403 for a similar idea. Alternatively, Hegyonei Haparsha (Shemot p. 133) quotes To'ameha Chayim (Rosh Chodesh n. 8) that the moon is awarded this blessing as an appeasement for its minimization by God at the beginning of creation (See Rashi Beresheet 1:16).
  4. ↑ Rama 426 citing Rabbeinu Bahya (Parashas Vayeshev)
  5. ↑ Gemara Sanhedrin 42a, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 426. The Gemara relates that Mereimar and Mar Zutra in their later years would be supported by their attendants in order to recite this blessing while standing. See Rashi there.
  6. ↑ Ya'alkut Yosef 426:11
  7. ↑ Shiltei Ha'giborim (Berachos 189:3), Bach Orach Chaim 426 and Teshuvos HaBach (no. 80)
  8. ↑ Rama Orach Chaim 426:4 with Mishnah Brurah (426:21) and Ya'alkut Yosef (426:26). Orchos Rabbenu (v. 1 p. 178) however, brings from the Chazon Ish that this optimal condition is only to refrain from its recital in indoor structures, but, once outside, one may recite the blessing under an overhang. See Responsa Yaskil Avdi (vol. 8 no. 38) and Ya'alkut Yosef (Shabbat vol. 5, pg. 332) for a discussion regarding its recital under a tree branch, and Mishnah Berura Dirshu (42) regarding its recital under an umbrella.
  9. ↑ Bach Orach Chaim 426 with Mishnah Berurah (426:21).
  10. ↑ Tractate Sofrim (20) makes reference to the importance of being well dressed during this ritual. See Hagaos Maimoniyos (Hilchos Berachos 10:16) who relates that his teacher Rabbi Meir of Rothenburg had the custom to wear Shabbos clothes before the recital of this blessing, even if he preformed it during the weekday. Pri Chadash Orach Chaim 426:???? brings this, and suggests that we at the very least be meticulous of wearing the special Shabbos hat. See Mishnah Berurah (426:7) however, who observed that widespread custom is to no longer to be careful in this latter stringency. See also Ya'alkut Yosef Shabbat vol. 5, pg. 318).
  11. ↑ Meiri Sanhedrin 42a, Darchei Moshe Orach Chaim 426, Rama Orach Chaim 426:2 further analogizes this ritual in effect to a ceremony of ultimate matrimony between God and the Nation of Israel. (Teshuvot Vehanhagot (1:203) quotes Rabbi Betzalel Stern who points out that this is the only place we find the Rama interestingly recommending dancing.) See Shaar Hatziyun (Orach Chaim 426:12) explains that we do not recite this blessing on Friday night because this ritual is accustomed to be coupled with dancing, which is forbidden on Shabbos.
  12. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 426:4 writes that one shouldn’t recite Birkat Halevana until seven days have passed from the molad based on the Shaarei Orah. However, the Bach on Orach Chaim 426 rules like the Rabbenu Yonah who says that one may say it after three days. Taz, Orach Chaim 426:3, Magen Avraham 426:13, Aruch HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 426:13, and Mishna Brurah 426:20 agree with the Bach. Sh”t Yabia Omer 6:38(1) rules like Shulchan Aruch but adds that if Motzei Shabbat is a few hours less than seven days one may say it and in places where majority of the month is cloudy one may say it after three days.
  13. ↑ Mishna Brurah 426:17 clarifies that for this halacha days are counted as 24 hour periods and not from sunset to sunset.
  14. ↑ Masechet Sofrim 19:10 (in some versions 20:1) writes that one should say Birkat Halevana specifically on Motzei Shabbat. However, Rabbenu Yonah (Brachot 21a) quotes some who say this, rejects it, and concludes that one can say it anytime after three days. Bet Yosef Orach Chaim 426:2 writes that probably Rabbenu Yonah didn’t have this girsa in Maasechet Sofrim. Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 426:2 rules that one should recite Birkat Halevana on Motzei Shabbat; however, the Biur HaGra, Orach Chaim 426:2 cites the Gemara Yevamot 39a which says that we don’t delay performing Mitzvot. The Mishna Brurah 426:20 rules that it’s proper to wait until Motzei Shabbat, but there is what to rely on to say it earlier. Additionally, in the winter and rainy months, those who are zealous to say it early are praiseworthy. Rama Orach Chaim 426:2 writes that if Motzei Shabbat is the eleventh night from the molad, one doesn’t have to wait until Motzei Shabbat, because it’s possible it will be cloudy the following four nights.
  15. ↑ Rama, Orach Chaim 426:2. The Beiur Halacha (s.v. sham d"h v'lo kodem), however, does quote the opinion of the Levush that by Yom Kippur, as opposed to Tisha B'Av, Birkat Halevana should be said before Yom Kippur as even one merit (one mitzvah) may tip the scales towards the positive during this period of judgement. He notes that this seems to be the opinion of the Beis Meir as well.
  16. ↑ Rama Orach Chaim 426:2, 551:8, Birkei Yosef 559:8,Kaf Hachaim 551:8:117, Ben Ish Chai: Devarim 28
  17. ↑ Rama, Orach Chaim 426:2, Mishna Brurah 426:10. However, Ish Matzliach footnote 3 ad loc. says that the Minhag in most places is to recite it on Motzaei Tisha B'av
    • Halichot Shlomo (Tefillah ch. 15, n. 22) records Rav Shlomo Zalman's minhag to recite Kiddush Levana after three full days even during the months of Tishrei and Av. See Aruch Hashulchan Orach Chaim 551:22 and Maaseh Rav 159.
  18. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 426:3 rules like the opinion of Nehardai in Gemara Sanhedrin 41b who say that one has 15 complete days. Chazon Ovadia, Chanuka p. 349 agrees, unlike the opinion of the Rav Pe'alim. However, the Rama Orach Chaim 426:3 writes that one may only say it up to half of 29 days, 12 hours, and 793 chalakim. Beiur Halacha s.v. VeLo writes that if one is in such a situation where half of 29 days, 12 hours, 793 chalakim passed and 15 days have not, there is what to rely on to say the Bracha. Beiur Halacha adds that if it is the 16th day one should say it without Shem UMalchut. Sh”t Yabia Omer 6:38 agrees with the Beiur Halacha that on the 16th day one should say it without Shem UMalchut.
  19. ↑ Rambam (Kiddush HaChodesh 6:3) writes that from one Molad (the approximate time when the moon is closest to the sun in the sky and cannot be seen) to the next is 29 days, 12 hours, and 793 chalakim (and there's 1080 chalakim in an hour). The Rambam 6:8 also writes that the time with which to begin to calculate the Molads from the beginning of creation is the 2nd day, 5 hours, and 204 chelakim. To calculate the Molad of Rosh Chodesh Tishrei 5773, first let us calculate the number of months which passed from creation and then add the appropriate time for each month. Although there are 12 months in a regular year because there are 7 leap years in a 19 year cycle, there is an average of 12.3684 lunar months a year. By Tishrei 5773, 5772 complete years have passed, meaning that 71390 complete months have passed since creation. The chelakim for the molad of Tishrei 5773 should be 1034 (i.e. 204 + (71390 * 793) modulo 1080) which is equal to 57 minutes and 8 chelakim. Making similar calculations leads to conclude that the Molad for Tishrei 5773 is 1am (i.e. 5+12*71390+(204+71930*793-1034)/1080) mod 24 starting from 6pm) Sunday (i.e. 2+1*71390+(909103-37879)/24 mod 7). The other months can then be calculated from that starting point by either adding or subtracting the interval for each month (1 day, 12 hours, 793 chelakim. To confirm these calculations, one can check the Chabad.org page of Molad times. For more explanation of Molad calculation and how the calendar works, see David Pahmer, Chesbon Zeman Kiddush Levana (Ohr HaMizrach 51 1-2, pp. 120, Tishrei 5766) and Kiddush HaChodesh on YUTorah.
  20. ↑ The Rashba (responsa 4:48) quotes someone who said that it is forbidden to say Birkat Halevana on Friday night, since it is like travelling out of the Techum above ten tefachim. The Rashba doesn't understand that opinion and disagrees. He argues that there is no Techum above ten tefachim, and, also, it is greeting Hashem and not the moon. Therefore, it isn't at all like travelling out of the Techum and is permissible to be recited on Shabbat. The Mishna Brurah 426:12 rules that it is permissible to say Kiddush Levana on Shabbat and Yom Tov if it is necessary. In the Shaar Hatziyun 426:12 he adds a reason that everyone can agree with. Since it is a mitzvah filled with happiness, a person might come to dance, which is forbidden on Shabbat.
  21. ↑ *Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 426:2 writes that one should look at the moon prior to making the Bracha. Magen Avraham 426:8 quotes the Shlah who says that one should only look once and then it’s forbidden to look again (for Kabbalistic reasons). Shaarei Knesset HaGedolah 426:5 quotes the Sefer Charedim that one may only look at the moon at the time of the Bracha. On the other hand, the Sefer Charedim 45:5 actually writes that one may not look at the moon just like one may not look at a rainbow (and doesn’t mention anything about the Bracha). Thus, the Birur Halacha (Rabbi Yechiel Zilber, vol 5, pg 121) explains that the Sefer Charedim probably agrees with the Shlah.
    • Morever, Shaarei Knesset HaGedolah writes that the minhag is look at the moon during the entire Seder, and his point supported by the language of Maasechet Sofrim quoted by the Tur and Shulchan Aruch. Birur Halacha (vol 5, pg 122) writes that if one is looking at the moon in order to recognize Hashem’s wonders then it’s permissible.
    • Mishna Brurah 426:13 quotes these three opinions and doesn’t give a ruling. The Aruch HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 426:5 writes that the minhag is like the Shlah. Chida in Yosef Ometz 474 and Moreh Etzbah 6:186, Chesed Alafim 426:4, Kaf HaChaim Palagi 35:4, The Ben Ish Chai (II Vayikra 23), Kaf HaChaim Orach Chaim 426:34, Mekor Chaim 426:2, Birkat Eitan (Birkat Halevana pg 207), Yalkut Yosef (Birkat Halevana pg 146), and Ateret Paz (Birkat Halevana pg 65) agree.
  22. ↑ Birkat Eitan (Birkat Halevana pg 200), Sefer Kiddish Levana (2 note 20) in name of Rav Elyashiv, Halichot Shlomo 15:13, Even Yisrael 426:1, Sh"t Shevet HaLevi Y"D 5:125(4)
  23. ↑ Sanhedrin 42a, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 426:1
  24. ↑ Moreh Ba'ezbah 187, Ben Ish Chai (vol. 1, Vayikra 26)
  25. ↑ Levush (Orach Chaim 426) explains that this greeting is included after the recital of this blessing, for after having greeted the Divine Presence, we then joyously bless one another. Rav Yosef Meshash in Mayim Chayim 92 adds another reason. We are asking for Shalom for Klal Yisrael, between the parts of Hashem's name, and that the moon should return to its original completeness.
  26. ↑ Mishnah Berurah 426. We recite this prayer after our greeting of the moon, to declare that this ritual is not to be interpreted as idolatrous heavenly worship, God forbid.
  27. ↑ Masechet Soferim (19). Dover Shalom (Kiddush Levana) explains that this symbolic exertion to touch the moon is a form of prayer: "Just as we cannot touch the moon, may the exertions of our enemies against us be with no avail". Some write that this rise should specially be of three times, See Yalkut Yosef (426).
  28. ↑ Israeli Armed Forces’ Chief Chaplain General Rabbi Shlomo Goren's change in the IDF Siddur (pg. 464) also based on text of Masechet Soferim. See, however, Derech Sicha (pg. 629), where Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky explains that even nowadays the moon is deemed 'unable to be touched'. Yalkut Yosef (426:17) writes similarly.
  29. ↑ Ta'amei Haminhagim (Inyanei Rosh Chodesh) from the Radziner Rebbe. Some versions of the Ya'avetz's Siddur have this addition as well, in brackets, though. Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky in Derech Sicha (p. 144) concurred with the efficacy of this benevolent charm, as well. He relates that his father, Rabbi Ya'akov Yisrael Kanievsky would recite these additional words also on behalf of others who were suffering from toothaches. See also Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat vol. 5, pg. 329).
  30. ↑ Rama Orach Chaim 426
  31. ↑ *Yerushalmi (Megillah 4:10) teaches that one may not say Amen Amen just as the Sages prohibited the recital of "Shema Shema". See Ohel Moed (Kriyat Shema 1:7) who cites this Yerushalmi and rules accordingly. The Beis Yosef (Orach Chaim 61) however challenges this ruling of the Ohel Moed and questions it with many verses which actually contain the words Amen one after the other. (See Mor U'ketzia (61) where the Yaavetz proves that this Yershalmi actually is against a Bavli which permits such a recital.)
    • Pri Chadash (Orach Chaim 61:12) refutes the Beis Yosef's proof: he suggests that those verses are indeed only to be said on condition that pause between the two Amen words. Kaf Hachaim (Orach Chaim 61:43) and Yabia Omer 10:5 therefore rule that while the recital of Birkat Halevana, a pause should be made between the three "Amen" words.
  32. ↑ Korban HaEdah (Megillah 4:10)
  33. ↑ Meiri (Sanhedrin 42a) seems to hold that women are obligated in its recital. Rabbi Shlomo Kluger (Chochmas Shlomo 426:1) explains that although this ritual is time-framed it does not fall under the category of time-bound obligations from which women are exempt for. He reasons that Birkas Halevana is not attached to a specific time on the calendar, as most time-bound commandments, rather this ritual which is a "response" to a natural phenomenon - the moon's renewal - which so happens to be at specific part of the month, and women are therefore obligated. Rabbi Joseph Ber Soloveitchik held this way as well (Nefesh Harav, pg. 176) See Yabia Omer (Orach Chaim 5:36) for more on this topic. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Choshen Mishpat 2:47) however argued that even this is considered time-framed as it comes around at a same specific time monthly, and that suffices to consider it a time-bound commandment from which women are exempt from. Mishnah Berurah (426:1) considers it so as well.
  34. ↑ There is a major dispute regarding women and the recitation of a beracha when they perform mitzvot that are time bound (which they are exempt from). The Rambam (Hilchot Tzitzit 3:9) holds that since women are exempt from the Mitzvah of Tzitzit, they can't make a Bracha on it (see also Hilchot Shofar Sukkah Vilulav 6:13 about sitting in a Sukkah). On the other hand, the Raavad (Hilchot Tzitzit 3:9) and Tosfot (Eruvin 96a, Rosh Hashanah 33a, Kiddshin 31a s.v. lo mifkadana) quoting Rabbenu Tam, argue that even if women are exempt from a mitzvah, they may recite the bracha if they opt to perform the mitzvah. The Maggid Mishna Hilhot Sukkah 6:13 explains the Rambam as saying that it is impossible to say VeTzivanu if a person is exempt from the mitzvah. Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 589:6 follows the Rambam, while the Rama Orach Chaim 17:2 accepts the Rabbenu Tam.
    • What emerges from the halacha is that Ashkenazim hold that women may recite the bracha upon a mitzvah that they are volunteering to do, while according to Sepharadim they may not.
    • Chacham Ovadia Yosef (Shu"t Yabea Omer 2:OC 6, Shu"t Yechave Daat 1:68, Chazon Ovadia Sukkot 149-151) very strongly encourages following Shulchan Aruch that women should not say a beracha.
    • However, see Chida (Birkei Yosef 654:2) who opines that even Sephardim have what to rely upon to follow Rabbenu Tam and Kaf Hachaim Orach Chaim 17:4 who quotes this. Similarly, given the dozens of Poskim who rule that a Sephardic woman may recite the beracha, and that this was the custom in their communities, Rav Mordechai Lebhar (Magen Avot, Orach Chaim 589:6) writes that women from those communities may continue with their traditions, but others may not, as the Shulchan Aruch rules stringently and we would say Safek Berachot Lehakel.
  35. ↑ Mishnah Berurah 426
  36. ↑ Kaf HaChaim (Orach Chaim 426:1)
  37. ↑ Responsa Maharshal (no. 77) explains that this blessing was instituted in recognition of the renewal of the moon, and it, thus, follows that even the blind be obligated. Additionally, even the blind benefit from the moon, for others use its light in escorting them. This is also the opinion of the Mishnah Berurah (426:1). See however Biur Halachah (s.v. nehenin) who cites many who hold that he should not recite this blessing. See Ya'avetz's Siddur (Kiddush Levana) who writes that he should recite the blessing with omitting God's name.
  38. ↑ Biur Halachah (426, s.v. nehenin)
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