As the waxing moon cast its silvery glow in the night sky, seven men gathered in the serene courtyard of Berkeley’s Jewish Renewal synagogue, Chochmat HaLev. The atmosphere pulsed with a blend of reverence and excitement, setting the stage for an ancient ritual steeped in spirituality and communal bonding.
They were participating in Kiddush Levana, the “sanctification of the moon.” This Talmudic rite, traditionally observed to honor God, involves joyous exclamations, leaping, and jubilation, marking a special connection with the lunar cycles.
“It is perfect. You are loved. All is clear. And I am holy,” the men chanted in unison, invoking a meditative phrase crafted by the late Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, a co-founder of the Renewal movement. This chant not only echoed through the courtyard but also resonated in the hearts of all present, embodying spiritual affirmation and communal solidarity.
Noah Phillips, a therapist and teacher at Chochmat HaLev, spearheads the Kiddush Levana gatherings, which serve as both an exuberant ritual and a platform for intimate discussions about masculinity. Now in its second year, the event invites all masculine-identifying individuals to experience this unique fusion of spirituality and self-reflection.
“It’s this amazing thing where we channel blessing,” he explained, highlighting how directing that energy toward the moon, a symbol of femininity, helps participants engage with mature masculine elements within themselves. This interplay creates a transformative experience as they connect with the sacred.
The evening unfolded with participants openly sharing their struggles and triumphs over the past month. This sharing not only built camaraderie but also deepened their sense of collective purpose. After these personal reflections came the chanting, with each attendee taking turns to read a passage, enhancing the ritual’s communal character.
As their voices rose, they shifted from a harmonious recitation to a spirited frenzy, jumping and celebrating with arms raised towards the heavens. Handshakes and warm embraces followed, with everyone exchanging “Shalom aleichem” and the response “Aleichem shalom,” a heartfelt affirmation of peace.
The gathering culminated in joyful arm-in-arm dancing and singing “David Melech Yisrael,” a tribute to King David, embodying both celebration and tradition. This blending of joy and ritual illustrated the deep connection the attendees felt to their heritage and to one another.
Participant Danny Kaplan encapsulated the essence of Kiddush Levana as a harmonious mix of Jewish ritual and exploration of modern masculinity. “In the modern context of what it means to explore masculinity, I really like that those two things are interwoven together,” he articulated, underlining the event’s impact on contemporary discussions around gender and spirituality.
Another participant, Philip Epstein, shared his emotional connection to the ritual. After feeling constrained by rigid, traditional practices, he turned to Judaism through the lens of psychedelics, seeking a more fluid relationship with his faith. His participation in Kiddush Levana is a way to both grieve his late mother and find solace in shared spirituality.
“She has appeared to me in the moon a few different times,” he spoke thoughtfully, emphasizing the personal significance of the moon in his spiritual journey. For him, Kiddush Levana provides a profound means to communicate and connect with her memory through the feminine imagery represented by the moon.
“It’s been really beautiful and painful,” he reflected, acknowledging the complexities of his journey. The moon, in its luminous presence, has become a bridge linking his past with a vibrant, living spirituality.
