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... Some people will have said Kiddush L'vana from this past Monday onward. Most people wait until Motza'ei Tish'a b'Av for KL. Some see this not only as waiting for after 9Av so that the mood is more appropriate for KL, but also as a symbol of belief in the coming of the Geula, since KL speaks of the restoration of the Moon to its full glory, as Israel will be restored and the House of David to its throne. It is preferable to say havdala, break one's fast, and put on regular shoes before KL, but in most cases this is not reasonable to arrange. Therefore, KL may be said immediately after Maariv on Motza'ei Tish'a b'Av. (Some communities had the custom of saying KL on Motza'ei Shabbat Nachamu, but that would only be so if 9Av is Thursday.) [The
Parshat D'varim Homepage]
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