Kiddush Levanah - (the sanctification of the new moon) - can be found in any Siddur; usually after the Maariv service. Men have an obligation to say Kiddush Levanah every month. The custom is that women do not say Kiddush Levanah. Kiddush Levanah cannot be said before the new moon is 3 days (72 hours) old. Some even wait until it's 7 days old. Kiddush Levanah can only be said while the moon is waxing. Kiddush Levanah should not be said while standing under a roof. However, if this is impossible or impractical, then it can be said inside by a window. Source Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 77:7, 8, 10 - Danny Monday 4th Tamuz 5768
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Women not saying kiddush levana is more than just a custom. They are the ones who caused miut halevana , it might ne a brocho levatolo , there is an issue with tzniyus etc.
ReplyDeleteSee Mishna Berura תכ"ו - (end of 4th volume)
ReplyDeleteHe says that despite being a Zman Gromo - which women customarily CAN keep - this mitzva THEY DON'T HAVE to keep because they are the ones who caused miut halevana.
He doesn't say it's ossur or a brocho levatolo. The Kitzur ignores women altogether (often, not only here.)
What I was wondering was the source of the women causing miut halevana which happened a few days before they were created.
Any ideas?
Can a woman say Kiddush Levana?
ReplyDeleteThank You,
Desiree
Hi Desiree
ReplyDeleteSince it's a "time bound" Mitzva, women do not have to say Kiddush Levanah.
The custom is that women do not say Kiddush Levanah. Why this is so, is not clear. There are Kabalistic reasons given for this custom, but I do not understand them.
Somebody suggested that since Kiddush Levanah is done at night, outside, in a large group, it would run against the rules of Tzniut (modesty).
- Danny