Laws & Blessings ofBirkat Halevana

Women are exempt from the obligation of Birkat Ha’lebana. This is the ruling of the Kaf Ha’haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Israel, 1870-1939), and of Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Israel, 1923-1998), in his work Or…

One should not recite Birkat Ha’Lebana if the moon is concealed during the entire duration of the Beracha.

One should not recite Birkat Ha’lebana unless the moon is completely exposed; even if the moon is visible but covered by a thin film of cloud, the Beracha should not be said. If the moon is visible but covered by a t…

A mourner should preferably not recite Birkat Ha'lebana during the seven-day mourning period, unless he is concerned that the delay might cause him to miss Birkat Ha'lebana altogether. It is proper for visitors to st…

Somebody who recited Birkat Ha'levana should not repeat the Beracha for another person who has yet to fulfill his obligation. Similarly, one who is not currently required to recite Asher Yasar may not recite the Bera…

The moon must be visible to allow for the recitation of Birkat Ha'levana. If the moon is visible but covered by a thin layer of cloud, one may recite the Beracha so long as he may benefit from the light of the moon.

Birkat Ha'levana should be recited on Motza'ei Shabbat no earlier than seven days after the Molad. If the congregation finishes services on Motza'ei Shabbat several hours before seven complete days have passed since…

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,…

Only if he first reviews the text before reciting the Beracha (Mishna Berura 100:2).

The Rama (602:1) maintains that Birkat Ha'levana should be recited on Motza'ei Yom Kippur, but the Mishna Berura (602:10) cites other authorities, including the Gaon of Vilna, who maintain that it should be recited on…