As we discussed in a previous column, Kiddush Levanah is the mitzvah of blessing the new moon each month.  The mitzvah can be divided into two parts:  the recitation of the special Kiddush Levanah bracha which is said outside under the new moon and then the recitation of specific pesukim or verses that we say following it.  The observance of the mitzvah usually culminates in a brief joining of hands for a short circle dance and song.  In that we discussed various aspects of the Kiddush Levanah bracha in our earlier piece, this time, we'll focus on some interesting aspects of the pesukim we say following it.
 
    As you may recall, the essence of the first part of the mitzvah associated with the bracha is to remind ourselves that our destiny as Bnei Yisrael is analogous to the cycles of the moon.  Just as the moon waxes and wanes over time, so too, does our fortune as a people wax and wane over time.  When we had our Beit Hamikdash we were in our full glory.  Now, in exile, we are at a low point.  At some point in the future, may it be soon, moshiach will come and return us, once again, to our former glory.  Such is the message of the first part of Kiddush Levanah.

    The second part of the mitzvah involves the recitation of a combination of pesukim and the practice of certain customs that have become associated with it.  Specifically, there are two customs that we observe that are not found anywhere else in Jewish practice.  The first involves the threefold repetition of the possuk:  "Dovid, melech yisrael, chai v'kayam!", "David, king of Israel, lives and endures!" and the second involves turning to and greeting three different people with the phrase, "Shalom aleichem!." "Peace be upon you!" to which they respond, "Aleichem shalom!" "Upon you be peace!"

    With respect to the first custom, Rabbi Moshe Isserles, known as the Rema (1525-1572 C.E.), explains in the Shulchan Aruch  that we are accustomed to saying the phrase "Dovid, Melech Yisrael, chai v'kayam!"  because Dovid's reign is analogous to the moon.  Although his descendants do not currently reign, we know that this is only a temporary state of affairs.  When moshiach, a scion of Dovid's dynasty arises, an heir of his line will once again reign and the Jewish People will subsequently be returned to their former glory. The Rema adds that, at this time, Bnei Yisrael will renew their special, intimate relationship with their Creator which is likened to an estranged wife, at last, being reunited with her husband.  When this reunion occurs, it will be as joyous as the most joyous wedding imaginable.  It is in anticipation of this celebration that we dance and sing at the completion of the recitation of Kiddush Levanah.

    The second custom we mentioned is that of greeting three neighbors during Kiddush Levanah with "Shalom Aleichem!"  This custom inculcates in us an important lesson which we reinforce by our repetition of it each month. The Medrash states that God  originally created the sun and the moon to be the same size.  The sun was to shine during the day and the moon was to shine during the night. The moon subsequently complained to God saying that there can't be two rulers who share the same crown. The moon's intention was to have the sun be made smaller. God replied to the moon and said, "You are correct, therefore, I will make you smaller." The important point is that even though the moon showed ill will towards the sun, the sun, nevertheless, made peace with the moon and continued to give the moon its rays to enable it to shine.

    For us, the saying of "Shalom aleichem!" during Kiddush Levanah is our monthly reminder to learn from the sun and make peace with our friends. Even when our friends have harmed us, it is our obligation to pay back good in the place of evil. The custom is to say it three times to three different people in order to strengthen this idea of creating shalom in our hearts.

    In summary, we see that these two customs, like all of the customs in our rich tradition, are endowed with beautiful purpose and meaning which is meant to bring us closer to God and our fellow man. We see that the recitation of "Dovid, Melech Yisrael, chai v'kayam!"  is meant to strengthen our belief in the coming of our redemption and the close relationship with God that will result. We also see that greeting our neighbors with, "Shalom Aleichem!" is meant to be a strong reminder to let bygones be bygones and that we should learn to treat each other peacefully.

    May our practice of these two customs of Kiddush Levanah, as well as all the other mitzvoth we perform, bring us ever closer to the ultimate redemption which we all await.  May the Holy One bring it speedily and in our days!