Kiddush Levana - Motzei Shabbos

QUESTION: Why do we wait until Motzei Shabbos to recite Kiddush Levana?

ANSWER: Shulchan Aruch (426:2) writes that ideally, Kiddush Levana should be said on Motzei Shabbos, since this is a time when we are in good spirits and we are dressed in our Shabbos best. If Motzei Shabbos is cloudy and Kiddush Levana is recited during the week, elegant clothing should be worn (Rama, ibid.). The Rama (ibid.) writes that it is customary to rejoice and dance after Kiddush Levana, much as one would at a wedding. This is because the rebirth of the moon is reflective of the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people, which will be renewed with the coming of Mashiach. Not all poskim agree that one should wait until Motzei Shabbos to say Kiddush Levana. The Bach writes that Kiddush Levana should be said as soon as possible, and this was also the custom of the Vilna Gaon (Maaseh Rav 159). Mishnah Berurah (426:20) writes that while it is preferable to follow the Shulchan Aruch and wait until Motzei Shabbos, it is acceptable to follow the Bach and Vilna Gaon as well. If the winter months are cloudy, everyone agrees it is best not to wait until Motzei Shabbos, so as not to lose the opportunity to recite the prayer.

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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.