Kiddush Levana - Significance

QUESTION: What is the significance of Kiddush Levana?

ANSWER: On a simple level, Kiddush Levana is a special bracha recited at the time of the renewal of the moon each month. There are two ways to understand the nature of the bracha. Some maintain that Kiddush Levana is a birkas hanehenin (a blessing recited on enjoyment or pleasure), as man derives benefit from the illumination of the moon, and the bracha is an expression of appreciation for the renewed moon. Others view it as a birkas hashevach (blessing of praise), to praise Hashem for creating this magnificent celestial body. In either event, the Mishnah Berurah (426:1) writes that a blind person can recite the bracha, since he too benefits indirectly from the light of the moon (as those who assist him utilize the moonlight – see Megillah 24b). Nonetheless, the Beiur Halacha (426, s.v. v’nehenin) notes that it is preferable for one who can see to recite the bracha on behalf of a person who is blind.

Chazal saw a deeper significance in this bracha as well. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 42a) states that reciting Kiddush Levana in its proper time is akin to greeting the Shechina (Hashem’s Presence). This is derived from the use of the word “zeh” (this), both in reference to the sighting of the new moon (“hachodesh hazeh lachem,” Shemos 12:2), and the beholding of the Shechina at the splitting of the Red Sea (“zeh Keili v’anveihu,” Shemos 15:2). How is seeing the new moon comparable to greeting the Shechina? The Pri Megadim (Aishel Avrohom 426:9) explains that when we see the rebirth of the moon, it reminds us of the greatness of Hashem, and how all the celestial bodies obey Hashem’s command. From this we can catch a glimpse, so to speak, of the majesty of the Almighty. (For another explanation, see R. Yosef Engel’s Maamar Levana in his Otzros Yosef, part 5.)

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.