Kiddush Levana - Alone

QUESTION: May Kiddush Levana be recited if one is alone?

ANSWER: The Beiur Halacha (426, s.v. Ela) writes that according to the letter of the law, one may recite Kiddush Levana even if one is alone. However, it is preferable to recite Kiddush Levana with a minyan based on the concept of “B’rov am hadras Melech” – “In multitudes, the King is glorified” (Mishlei 14:28). The Chayei Adam (Klal 68) writes that a group of three people is considered a multitude regarding the principles of “B’rov Am.” If one can choose between reciting Kiddush Levana alone now, or waiting a few days and reciting Kiddush Levana with a group, it is preferable to postpone the mitzvah. However, one should not push off the mitzvah beyond the tenth day of the month (Beiur Halacha, ibid.), for fear that the moon will not be visible later in the month.

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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.