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Birkat Halevana: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Moon.jpg|right|200px]] | [[Image:Moon.jpg|right|200px]] | ||
Upon seeing the moon at the beginning of the month one says a blessing called Birkat HaLevana (for the details and text see below). What's the significance of this Bracha? The Gemara Sanhedrin 42a says that saying Birkat HaLavana is like greeting the Shechina. Beiur Halacha 426:2 explains that by seeing the moon fulfill its mission consistently we recognize Hashem’s might and control over nature. He adds that to emphasize that we only pray to Hashem and the moon is just a tool by which we can recognize Hashem’s strength we say Aleinu afterwards. (See note for more about the significance of this Bracha.) <ref> Why did Chazal choose to make this Bracha on the moon specifically? Aruch HaShulchan 426:2 explains that since the moon is the closest to Earth we are able to recognize Hashem’s control over nature easily. Also, the moon is compared to Bnei Yisrael; just as the moon doesn’t have any of its own light, so too Bnei Yisrael are only sustained through Hashem and his Torah; just as the moon gets smaller and bigger, so too Bnei Yisrael are always renewed. </ref> | Upon seeing the moon at the beginning of the month one says a blessing called Birkat HaLevana (for the details and text see below). What's the significance of this Bracha? The Gemara Sanhedrin 42a says that saying Birkat HaLavana is like greeting the Shechina. Beiur Halacha 426:2 explains that by seeing the moon fulfill its mission consistently we recognize Hashem’s might and control over nature. He adds that to emphasize that we only pray to Hashem and the moon is just a tool by which we can recognize Hashem’s strength we say Aleinu afterwards. (See note for more about the significance of this Bracha.) <ref> Why did Chazal choose to make this Bracha on the moon specifically? Aruch HaShulchan 426:2 explains that since the moon is the closest to Earth we are able to recognize Hashem’s control over nature easily. Also, the moon is compared to Bnei Yisrael; just as the moon doesn’t have any of its own light, so too Bnei Yisrael are only sustained through Hashem and his Torah; just as the moon gets smaller and bigger, so too Bnei Yisrael are always renewed. </ref> | ||
==Basics== | ==Basics== | ||
# One is obligated to make the bracha of [[Kiddish]] | # One is obligated to make the bracha of [[Kiddish]] Levana which begins Baruch Atta Hashem... Asher BeMaamaro Bara Shechakim. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 426:1 </ref> The bracha is made while standing.<ref>Gemara Sanhedrin 42a, Rama 426:1</ref> | ||
# The bracha is made immediately upon seeing the moon and during the bracha and afterwards some say that one shouldn't look at the moon.<ref>Mishna Brurah 425:13 citing the Magen Avraham</ref> | |||
# For the Ashkenazic text [https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tefila.org%2Fimages%2Fstories%2Fbirkon%2Flevana-e1.pdf click here (from Tefilah.org)]. For the Sephardic text [https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tefila.org%2Fimages%2Fstories%2Fbirkon%2Flevana-s1.pdf click here (from Tefilah.org)]. | # For the Ashkenazic text [https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tefila.org%2Fimages%2Fstories%2Fbirkon%2Flevana-e1.pdf click here (from Tefilah.org)]. For the Sephardic text [https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tefila.org%2Fimages%2Fstories%2Fbirkon%2Flevana-s1.pdf click here (from Tefilah.org)]. | ||
==When it should be said== | ==When it should be said== | ||
{{MoladVar}} | |||
# According to Ashkenazim, one may say the Bracha 3 days after the molad, however according to Sephardim, in general one should wait until 7 days after the molad. For this halacha, days are counted by 24 hour periods. <Ref> Shulchan Aruch 426:4 writes that one shouldn’t say Birkat Halevana until 7 days have passed from the molad based on the Shaarei Orah. However, the Bach 426 rules like the Rabbenu Yonah who says that one may say it after 3 days. Taz 426:3, Magen Avraham 426:13, Aruch HaShulchan 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 7 days one may say it and in places where majority of the month is cloudy one may say it after 3 days. Mishna Brurah 426:17 clarifies that for this halacha days are counted as 24 hour periods and not from sunset to sunset. </ref> It’s proper to wait until Motzei [[Shabbat]] (Saturday night) to say Birkat HaLevana. <Ref>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 3 days. Bet Yosef 426:2 writes that probably Rabbenu Yonah didn’t have this girsa in Maasechet Sofrim. S”A 426:2 rules that one should say Birkat HaLevana on Motzei [[Shabbat]]. However, the Biur HaGra 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 and in the winter and rainy months those who are zealous to say it early are praiseworthy. Rama 426:2 writes that if Motzei [[Shabbat]] is the 11th night from the molad one doesn’t have to wait until Motzei [[Shabbat]] because it’s possible it will be cloudy the following 4 nights. </ref> | # According to Ashkenazim, one may say the Bracha 3 days after the molad, however according to Sephardim, in general one should wait until 7 days after the molad. For this halacha, days are counted by 24 hour periods. <Ref> Shulchan Aruch 426:4 writes that one shouldn’t say Birkat Halevana until 7 days have passed from the molad based on the Shaarei Orah. However, the Bach 426 rules like the Rabbenu Yonah who says that one may say it after 3 days. Taz 426:3, Magen Avraham 426:13, Aruch HaShulchan 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 7 days one may say it and in places where majority of the month is cloudy one may say it after 3 days. Mishna Brurah 426:17 clarifies that for this halacha days are counted as 24 hour periods and not from sunset to sunset. </ref> It’s proper to wait until Motzei [[Shabbat]] (Saturday night) to say Birkat HaLevana. <Ref>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 3 days. Bet Yosef 426:2 writes that probably Rabbenu Yonah didn’t have this girsa in Maasechet Sofrim. S”A 426:2 rules that one should say Birkat HaLevana on Motzei [[Shabbat]]. However, the Biur HaGra 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 and in the winter and rainy months those who are zealous to say it early are praiseworthy. Rama 426:2 writes that if Motzei [[Shabbat]] is the 11th night from the molad one doesn’t have to wait until Motzei [[Shabbat]] because it’s possible it will be cloudy the following 4 nights. </ref> | ||
# During the month of Tishrei, [[Kiddish]] Levana isn't said prior to [[Yom Kippur]]. Rather it should be said right after [[Yom Kippur]].<ref> Rama 426:2. The Beiur Halacha (sham d"h v'lo kodem), however, does quote the opinion of the Levush that by Yom Kippur, as opposed to Tisha B'Av, kiddush levana 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 </ref> | # During the month of Tishrei, [[Kiddish]] Levana isn't said prior to [[Yom Kippur]]. Rather it should be said right after [[Yom Kippur]].<ref> Rama 426:2. The Beiur Halacha (sham d"h v'lo kodem), however, does quote the opinion of the Levush that by Yom Kippur, as opposed to Tisha B'Av, kiddush levana 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 </ref> | ||
# During the month of Av, most have the minhag not to say [[Kiddush Levana]] prior to [[Tisha BeAv]].<ref> Rama 426:2, 551:8</ref> Some say that it shouldn't be said right after [[Tisha BeAv]], but in the next few days. <ref> Rama 426:2, Mishna Brurah 426:10. However, Ish Matzliach footnote 3 on the Mishna Brura says that the minhag is most places is to say it on Motzaei Tisha B'av<br /> | # During the month of Av, most have the minhag not to say [[Kiddush Levana]] prior to [[Tisha BeAv]].<ref> Rama 426:2, 551:8</ref> Some say that it shouldn't be said right after [[Tisha BeAv]], but in the next few days. <ref> Rama 426:2, Mishna Brurah 426:10. However, Ish Matzliach footnote 3 on the Mishna Brura says that the minhag is most places is to say it on Motzaei Tisha B'av<br /> | ||
* Halichot Shlomo ([[Tefillah]] ch. 15, n. 22) records Rav Shlomo Zalman's minhag to recite [[Kiddush Levana]] after 3 full days even during the months of Tishrei and Av. See Aruch Hashulchan 551:22 and Maaseh Rav 159. </ref> | * Halichot Shlomo ([[Tefillah]] ch. 15, n. 22) records Rav Shlomo Zalman's minhag to recite [[Kiddush Levana]] after 3 full days even during the months of Tishrei and Av. See Aruch Hashulchan 551:22 and Maaseh Rav 159. </ref> | ||
# One may say Birkat HaLevana until 15 days after the molad, however, on the 16th day one should say it without [[Shem UMalchut]]. Some say that one may only say it until 14¾ days after the molad. <Ref> Shulchan Aruch 426:3 rules like the opinion of Nehardai in Gemara Sanhedrin 41b who say that one has 15 complete days. However, the Rama 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’s 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]]. </ref> A chart of the time of the upcoming molads is printed here (see note for calculation)<ref>Rambam ([[Kiddush]] HaChodesh 6:3) writes that from one Molad (the astronomical time when the new moon can be seen) to another is 29 days, 12 hours, and 793 chelakim (and there's 1080 chelakim 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 [http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/216238/jewish/Molad-Times.htm Chabad.org page of Molad times].</ref>: | # One may say Birkat HaLevana until 15 days after the molad, however, on the 16th day one should say it without [[Shem UMalchut]]. Some say that one may only say it until 14¾ days after the molad. <Ref> Shulchan Aruch 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 Poalim. However, the Rama 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’s 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]]. </ref> A chart of the time of the upcoming molads is printed here (see note for calculation)<ref>Rambam ([[Kiddush]] HaChodesh 6:3) writes that from one Molad (the astronomical time when the new moon can be seen) to another is 29 days, 12 hours, and 793 chelakim (and there's 1080 chelakim 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 [http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/216238/jewish/Molad-Times.htm Chabad.org page of Molad times].</ref>: | ||
# The strict halacha allows saying 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 say it. <ref>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. 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 and it is forbidden to dance on Shabbat.</ref> | |||
==Where it should be said== | ==Where it should be said== | ||
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==Blind== | ==Blind== | ||
# Blind men should recite birkat halevana even though they cannot see the moon. <ref> Mishneh Brura 426:1 </ref> | # Blind men should recite birkat halevana even though they cannot see the moon. <ref> Mishneh Brura 426:1 </ref> | ||
==Text== | |||
# Ashkenazic text of Birchat Halevana: [https://he.wikisource.org/wiki/%D7%A1%D7%99%D7%93%D7%95%D7%A8/%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%A1%D7%97_%D7%90%D7%A9%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%96/%D7%A7%D7%99%D7%93%D7%95%D7%A9_%D7%9C%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%94 Wikisource.org]. | |||
# Sephardic text of Birchat Halevana: [https://www.sefaria.org/Siddur_Edot_HaMizrach,_Blessing_of_the_Moon Sefaria.org]. | |||
#The minhag is to say Shalom Aleichem three times during Birchat Halevana.<ref> [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=1911&pgnum=105 Rav Mashash 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.</ref> | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
