WORD OF THE MONTH

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 Adar was Tuesday afternoon. 3 days later is Friday afternoon, making Friday night the earliest opportunity for Kidush L'vana. However, we do not say K.L. on Shabbat (or Yom Tov) unless it is the last opportunity. So the first and best opportunity for K.L. according to Minhag Yerushalayim (3 days after the Molad) is this coming Motza'ei Shabbat Parshat T'rumah, Feb. 16th. Those who are MAKPID to wait until seven days after the Molad will have their first chance for K.L. on Tuesday night, Feb. 19th.

On another note... According to Rashi on the Gemara, the reason for the increase in joy as Adar enters is because of the miracles that occurred both in Adar and in Nissan. Purim and Pesach are the causes of the increase of joy and the hopeful anticipation of the Complete Redemption which will also occur at this time of the year.