Kiddush Levana - Standing Outside

QUESTION: Must Kiddush Levana be said standing and outside?

ANSWER: Shulchan Aruch (OC 426:2) writes that Kiddush Levana should be said standing. This is based on the Gemara (Sanhedrin 42a) which states that since Kiddush Levana is compared to greeting the Shechina, it must be said standing. The Gemara also relates that two Amoraim who were unable to stand on their own would lean against their servants, in order to stand for this bracha. The Mishnah Berurah (Beiur Halacha 426, s.v. U’mevarech) writes that leaning is only acceptable for those who are unable to stand. Those who can stand on their own may not lean. If one cannot stand up at all, Kiddush Levana may still be said sitting down.

The Rama (OC 426:4) writes that Kiddush Levana should not be said when standing under a roof or awning, but rather should be recited directly under the sky. The Mishnah Berurah (426:21) explains that since Kiddush Levana is compared to greeting the Shechina, we go outside into the streets to demonstrate proper honor to the King, in the manner that people go outside to greet kings. If one is unable to go outside, Kiddush Levana should still be said. In this case, it is better to open the window, so the moon can be seen directly. If even this is not possible, Kiddush Levana can be said while peering at the moon through a glass window (Shaar Hatziyun 426:25).

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