 Parshat Acharei-K'doshim 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 Iyar as announced, was FRI (April 16th), 4m and 4p after midnight. That corresponded to 12:43am Israel Summer Time. The actual (astronomical) molad of Iyar was 7:21 on Friday morning. That was not "early" enough for the moon to have been visible on Friday night. It was first visible this month on Motza'ei Shabbat.That first look at the moon was about 36 hours from the molad. The result is a very prominent crescent, starting out the evening relatively high above the horizon, remaining visible for a relatively long time. The Mishna in Rosh Hashana discusses a relatively easy moon to see, vis-a-vis a difficult to see moon. First opportunity for Kiddush L'vana, Minhag Yerushalayim, was Monday night, April 19th. The following night, Leil Yom Ha'Atzma'ut, was a meaningful night for Kiddush L'vana. 7-day opinion people, as well as those who say K.L. only on Motza'ei Shabbat, will have their (first) opportunity this Motza'ei Shabbat, April 24th, eve of the 9th of Iyar. Last opportunity will be Thursday night, April 29th (including the wee hours of Fri. April 30th). [The Acharei-K'doshim Homepage] |