Parshat Sho'f'tim

A weekly feature of Torah Tidbits to help clarify practical
and conceptual aspects of the Jewish Calendar, thereby better fulfilling the mitzva of HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem....

The molad of Elul was Shabbat (August 22), 6:51pm Israel
Summer Time. 3 days (72 hrs) after the Molad is the earliest time for Kidush L'vana according to Minhag Yerushalayim. It is the ideal time for K.L. because "Mitzva enthusiasts do mitzvot at the earliest opportunity". This means that Tuesday night, August 25th is first K.L. Hence the clock is ticking. If you haven't said K.L., remember to do so.

Those who follow the 7-day-after-the-Molad opinion and those who wait for Motza'ei Shabbat will have their best shot at K.L. this Motza'ei Shabbat, August 29th.

In this special month of Elul, perhaps we can improve our K.L. (among many other things):

"If I'm in shul on Motza'ei Shabbat, and if I'm not in a rush to go someplace, then sometimes I'll say K.L. with the shul." Is that you?

K.L. is a mitzva; K.L. is a bracha; K.L. is considered "welcoming the Divine Presence". It is a prayer with many Segulot. It is a joyous reminder of G-d's Creation and Mastery over the Universe. Let one of your Elul-resolutions be a conscientious and enthusiastic attitude and practice of Kiddush L'vana.

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