Birkat Halevana: Difference between revisions

#Since this blessing is involves the greeting of the Divine Presence, it is most proper, when possible, that its recital be in standing. <ref>Gemara Sanhedrin 42a, Shulchan Aruch 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. </ref> When not feasible (eg. elderly or sick persons) this blessing may be recited in a sitting position.<ref>Ya'alkut Yosef 426</ref>

#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 out toward to greet one of prominent stature. <ref>Shiltei Ha'giborim (Berachos 189:3), Bach 426 and Responsa Teshuvos Ha'bach (no. 80)</ref> Preferably one should also not be positioned beneath a roof or overhang.<ref>Rama 426:4 with Mishnah Brurah (21) and Ya'alkut Yosef (426). Orchos Rabbenu (v. 1 p. 178) however, brings from the Chazon Ish that this optimal condition is only to refrain from it's 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 on it's recital under a tree's branch, and Mishnah Berura Dirshu (42) regarding it's recital under an umbrella. </ref> 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). <ref>Bach 426 with Mishnah Berurah (21). See Responsa Yechave Da'at </ref>

#It is proper to be clothed with dignity while reciting this blessing, as one would dress before greeting one of prominent stature. Some have the custom to clothe themselves with their special Shabbat garments, even while reciting this blessing during an ordinary weekday. <ref>Tractate Sofrim (20) makes reference to the importance of being well dressed during this ritual. See Hagaos Maimoniyos 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 426 brings this, and suggests that we at the very least be meticulous of wearing the special Shabbos hat. See Mishnah Berurah (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).  </ref>

#Since this ritual involves such great allusion the ultimate convalesce of our nation, it is customary to break into frolic dance after its completion. <ref>Meiri Sanhedrin 42a, Darchei Moshe 426, Rama 426 further analogizes this ritual in effect to a ceremony of ultimate matrimony between God and the Nation of Israel.  

Shaar Hatziyun 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.</ref>