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... First opportunity for Kiddush L'vana this month is Motza'ei Shabbat To-l'dot, Nov. 21. That's the first op after 3 days following the molad, but it is the eve of the 5th of of the month. It is not the day of the new month that directly relates to the first opportunity of Kiddush L'vana; it is the time elapsed from the moment of the molad. The molad can be on Rosh Chodesh or a day or two before it. It really depends upon whether Rosh HaShana was fixed on the day of the molad of Tishrei, or if it was postponed a day or two according to the rules for fixing RH. When the first op for KL falls on the eve of the third of the month, some people in shul will argue that it isn't time for KL yet. And it happens that people will argue for KL on the eve of the 4th of the month, when on occasion, that's too early. This month's molad was midday on Tuesday (first day of R"Ch). First op for 3 day after the molad people would have been Friday night, but we don't say KL on Shabbat unless it is the last op. Hence, Motza'ei Shabbat. [The Parshat To-l'dot Homepage]
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