Kiddush Levana - Traditional Greeting

QUESTION: Why is it customary to greet one’s neighbors with “Shalom Aleichem” after reciting the beracha of Kiddush Levana?

ANSWER: The custom of reciting “Shalom Aleichem” after Kiddush Levana is mentioned in Maseches Sofrim (which was compiled in the time of the Geonim, who lived in the 7th to 11th century). It states that following Kiddush Levana, one should greet friends with Shalom three times. In a previous Halacha Yomis, we shared the explanation of Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik zt”l. Here are other classical explanations for this custom:

The Maharil writes that we greet each other with “Shalom Aleichem” as an expression of joy that we merited to greet the Shechina (Hashem’s presence).

The Magen Avrohom writes that since we recite the verse tipol aleihem aimasa vafachad, “let fear and terror fall on our enemies,” we immediately greet our neighbors with “Shalom Aleichem,” to demonstrate that we wish peace for our fellow Jews.

The Siddur of the Arizal states that at the time of creation, the moon was diminished because it quarreled with the sun. While blessing Hashem when seeing the new moon, we wish to show that there is no enmity between Jews.

Common practice is to greet three friends with “Shalom Aleichem,” and the friends reply “Aleichem Shalom.” The Rama (426:2) writes that responding is equivalent to greeting, and one who responded “Aleichem Shalom” three times is not required to greet additional members of the community.

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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.