Kiddush Levanah
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Kiddush Levanah (Hebrew: קידוש לבנה (lit. sanctification of the moon) is a Jewish ritual in which observant Jews recite a series of prayers shortly after Rosh Chodesh. The ritual is done at night usually at the conclusion of the first Shabbat (Saturday) after the new moon, though it may be done any time during the first fourteen days of the month. The ritual should not be performed within three days of Rosh Chodesh. The reciting of Kiddush Levanah might be postponed publicly to the next Shabbat if there was not sufficient visibility during the customary time.
The moon must be visible and not totally covered by clouds and the ceremony is normally performed outside. While it is customary to say the prayer with the large crowd after the Saturday night evening services, or with a minyan, it can be also said without a minyan and in the middle of the week.
In the month of Tishrei, it is usually delayed until after the conclusion of Yom Kippur. In the month of Av, it is traditionally postponed to following the fast of Tisha B'Av as the beginning of the month is a time of mourning and such levity would be inappropriate. If a holiday falls on Sunday, Kiddush Levanah is delayed until after that day.
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