DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Halacha is In Memory of
 Saad ben Sarah

Dedicated By
steven israel

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
      
(File size: 686 KB)
Preferred Rituals When Reciting Birkat Ha’levana

There is a Mitzva to recite a special Beracha each month over the appearance of the new moon; this blessing is called Birkat Ha'levana. The Sages afforded great importance to this Mitzva; in fact, the Zohar, as cited in Kaf Ha'chayim Sofer, writes that one who recites Birkat Ha'levana is guaranteed that he will not die an abnormal death.

Rabbi Chayim Palachi (Rabbi of Izmir, Turkey, 19th century) writes that the proper text of the passage "Baruch Yotzrich…," which is recited together with Birkat Ha'levana, is as follows: "Baruch Yotzrich, Baruch Osich, Baruch Konich, Baruch Bor'ich." This arrangement yields the acronym "Baruch Ya'akov" ("Yotzrich," "Osich," "Konich," "Bor'ich"), and is the proper text. Some Siddurim present this passage differently, but this is the correct text.

Rabbi Chayim Palachi further writes that after reciting Birkat Ha'levana one should look at his Tzitzit and examine them. He explains that the Sages likened the recitation of Birkat Ha'levana to "Kabbalat Penei Shechina" – standing in the Divine Presence and accepting upon oneself the Almighty's rule. Tzitzit very closely relates to this theme, as looking at the Tzitzit is intended to lead one to the fear of God. It is therefore proper to look at one's Tzitzit after reciting Birkat Ha'levana.

In addition, Rabbi Chayim Palachi writes that after Birkat Ha'levana one should give three coins to charity.

Finally, he writes that one should shake the bottom of his garment after reciting Birkat Ha'levana, to rid himself of the negative spiritual influences of the moon to which one is subjected when reciting this blessing. The custom is also to greet three people with the greeting of "Shalom Aleichem," and Rabbi Chayim Palachi explains the reason for this practice in accordance with the teachings of Kabbala.

Summary: The proper sequence of the passage "Baruch Yotzrich" in Birkat Ha'levana is as follows: "Baruch Yotzrich, Baruch Osich, Baruch Konich, Baruch Bor'ich." After reciting Birkat Ha'levana, one should look at his Tzitzit, donate three coins to charity, shake the bottom of his garments, and extend the greeting of "Shalom Aleichem" to three peers.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
Carrying on Shabbat: Rings and Pins
Is it Permissible to Exercise or Have a Massage on Shabbat?
The Custom to Read Shir Hashirim On Friday Night
Using Voice Activation Systems on Shabbat
The Time For Ending Shabbat
May One Violate Shabbat to Protect His Property From Looters?
Customs When Announcing Rosh Hodesh in the Synagogue on Shabbat
Is it Permissible to Repeat Sections of the Torah Reading to Add Aliyot?
Moving Candlesticks on Shabbat After the Flames Go Out
Which Prayers May Be Recited by the Light of the Shabbat Candles?
Tying Neckties and Garbage Bags on Shabbat
Tying and Untying Knots on Shabbat
Is It Permissible to Trap a Deer Inside a Home on Shabbat?
Is It Permissible to Trap a Bug on Shabbat?
Trapping Explained- One of the 39 Forbidden Melachot on Shabbat
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found