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Birkat Halevana: Difference between revisions

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==Basics==
==Basics==


#The text of this blessing as appears in the Talmud reads: Blessed are you God.. Who with his utterance created the heavens.. Who renews the months, etc.<ref>Sanhedrin, ibid. Shulchan Aruch 426:1 </ref> In this blessing we express our recognition of God awesome power over the universe. As such, one should be vigilant to recite this blessing with full intent, devotion and elation. <ref>Ben Ish Chai (Vayikra 26) and More Be'ezbah 187</ref> It is customary to also recite additional texts and passages, and the "Shalom Aleichem"  
#The text of this blessing as appears in the Talmud reads: Blessed are you God.. Who with his utterance created the heavens.. Who renews the months, etc.<ref>Sanhedrin, ibid. Shulchan Aruch 426:1 </ref> In this blessing we express our recognition of God awesome power over the universe. As such, one should be vigilant to recite this blessing with full intent, devotion and elation. <ref>Ben Ish Chai (Vayikra 26) and More Be'ezbah 187</ref> It is customary to also recite additional appropriate texts and passages, the "Shalom Aleichem" greeting <ref>Levush (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. </ref> and the "Aleinu" prayer <ref>Mishnah Berurah 426</ref>.
#Since this blessing is involves the greeting of the Divine Presence, it is most proper, when possible, that it's 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) it may be recited in sitting.
#Since this blessing is involves the greeting of the Divine Presence, it is most proper, when possible, that it's 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) it may be recited in sitting.
#It is also preferable, when possible, that this blessing not be recited indoors, but rather outdoors under the 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). 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 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 still visible to the reciter indoors (eg. through a window or door). <ref>Bach 426 with Mishnah Berurah (21). </ref>
#It is also preferable, when possible, that this blessing not be recited indoors, but rather outdoors under the 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). 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 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 still visible to the reciter indoors (eg. through a window or door). <ref>Bach 426 with Mishnah Berurah (21). </ref>
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