Kiddush Levanah: Blessing the New Moon

Kiddush Levanah (Sanctification of the Moon) is a blessing recited once a month when the moon is visible and waxing (growing). We thank God for creating the moon and its cycles, which mark our calendar and symbolize Jewish renewal. The ceremony is performed outdoors where the moon is visible, and has a joyous, communal atmosphere. It's considered a way of greeting the Divine Presence.

Kiddush Levanah is recited between the third day after the new moon (molad) and the middle of the month (approximately day 15). The preferred time is on Saturday night after Shabbat, when people are dressed nicely and in a joyous mood. It should not be recited before three days have passed since the molad, and cannot be recited once the moon begins to wane (after approximately the 15th of the month).

The ceremony is performed outdoors under the open sky where the moon is clearly visible. It's traditionally done standing, facing the moon. The service includes the main blessing ('Blessed are You... who created the heavens'), Psalms, and joyous declarations. Participants often greet each other with 'Shalom Aleichem' and dance. The ceremony concludes with prayers for the restoration of the moon to its original glory.

The central blessing is: 'Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who with His word created the heavens, and with the breath of His mouth all their hosts...' After the blessing, we say 'David Melech Yisrael chai v'kayam' (David, King of Israel, lives and endures) three times, and greet others with 'Shalom Aleichem.' Aleinu and other concluding prayers follow. Some recite additional Psalms and prayers.

The Jewish people are compared to the moon - we wax and wane throughout history but always renew ourselves. Just as the moon reflects the sun's light, we reflect God's light into the world. The prayer includes the hope that the moon will be restored to its original glory - a mystical reference to the messianic era. The monthly renewal of the moon mirrors our capacity for teshuvah and renewal.

Kiddush Levanah should not be recited if the moon is covered by clouds - you must be able to see it. It's not said during the Nine Days before Tisha B'Av or on Yom Kippur night (though some say it immediately after the fast). Many wait until after Tisha B'Av or Yom Kippur to say it in a more joyous state. Some have the custom to jump three times toward the moon during the ceremony.