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Friday, January 15, 2027

Halachic Times (Zmanim)
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Jewish History

Chassidic master Rabbi Dovid Biederman of Lelov (1746-1814) was a disciple of the "Seer of Lublin." Rabbi Dovid was known for his extraordinary ahavat yisrael; it was said of him that he was incapable of seeing faults in a fellow Jew. Two printed collections of stories about him are Migdal David and Kodesh Hillulim.

Link:
Somebody Else

Laws and Customs

Once a month, as the moon waxes in the sky, we recite a special blessing called Kiddush Levanah, "the sanctification of the moon," praising the Creator for His wondrous work we call astronomy.

Kiddush Levanah is recited after nightfall, usually on Saturday night. The blessing is concluded with songs and dancing, because our nation is likened to the moon—as it waxes and wanes, so have we throughout history. When we say this blessing, we renew our trust that very soon, the light of G‑d's presence will fill all the earth and our people will be redeemed from exile.

Though Kiddush Levanah can be recited as early as three days after the moon's rebirth, the kabbalah tells us it is best to wait a full week, till the seventh of the month. Once 15 days have passed, the moon begins to wane once more and the season for saying the blessing has passed.

Links:

Kiddush Levana: Sanctification of the Moon
Brief Guide to Kiddush Levanah: Thank G‑d for the Moon!

Daily Thought

The sages say that all is in the hands of heaven except for the awe of heaven.

Which puts all the power in your hands.

Because if there is no awe of heaven, heaven is bankrupt. It owns nothing—not you, not your world, not anything at all.

That being so, the greatest power you have is your ability to surrender the delusion that you have any power at all, to shift from serving yourself to serving heaven. To experience awe.

Surrender yourself to heaven, and the heavens are utterly under your command.