Faith
Why Is It Forbidden to Look at the Moon?
Question
Hello Rabbi, in the evenings, I enjoy sitting on my porch to breathe fresh air and gaze at the sky and the moon. It is very calming for me. I should mention that I focus on looking at the moon and track it according to the calendar. I always know on which side it will appear on every date and how big it will be. I understand that it is forbidden to look at it because it can cause a decline in vision, or even forgetfulness... and most importantly - it is embarrassed because of everything that happened with the sun, etc. My intention is not to embarrass it; on the contrary, I admire it and enjoy seeing it. I would appreciate it if the Rabbi could explain to me why it is forbidden to look at it and whether I am correct and not causing harm by my gazing.
Answer
Greetings,
It is true that looking at the moon while contemplating is forbidden. The reasoning for this is based on Kabbalah, and not because it causes embarrassment to the moon. However, a brief glance at it, without contemplation, poses no concern.
Sources: See the book "Charedim" (beginning of Chapter 2 on prohibitions related to the eye, letter hey), "Moreh Be'Etzbah" (letter kuf pe), "Mishnah Berurah" (Section 232, subsection 13), and "Hazon Ovadia Chanukah" (page 269).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
עברית
