Kiddush Levana - Direction to Face

QUESTION: Which direction should one face when reciting Kiddush Levana?

ANSWER: In the beginning of the lunar month, the new moon mostly appears in the west, and as such the moon is often in the west when we recite Kiddush Levana. In the U.S., we face eastward toward Yerushalayim when davening. When reciting Kiddush Levana, should one face toward the moon, or should one face east? While not directly addressing this question, the Mishnah Berurah (426:14) writes that one should jump/dance during Kiddush Levana, but one must be careful not to bow, as this would give the appearance that one is bowing toward the moon. This would imply that one is facing the moon during Kiddush Levana.

Sefer B’tzeil Hachochma (3:64) points out that this issue is contingent on a dispute between the Tur and Magen Avrohom. In the opinion of the Tur, one should stare at the moon during the entire period that the bracha is recited. It would follow that the bracha is recited while facing the moon. In contrast, the Magen Avrohom maintains that it is inappropriate to stare at the moon. Rather, he recommends a quick glance before starting the bracha. Accordingly, one can recite the bracha while facing east, after a brief view of the moon. B’tzeil Hachochma points out that the Levushei Mordechai (OC 11:117) and the Yesod V’shoresh Ha’avoda (Sha’ar 9, Perek 1) both write that one should face east (in the direction that one normally davens) when reciting the bracha, and that appears to be the preferred method.

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