What is the earliest time one may recite Kiddush Levana?

Shulchan Aruch (OC 426:1,4) writes that it is best to recite Kiddush Levana on a Motzei Shabbos. Additionally, the Shulchan Aruch writes that one may not recite Kiddush Levana before seven days have passed from the molad. (The molad is a halachic construct related to the birth of the new moon, which will be explained further in an upcoming Halacha Yomis.) The Mishnah Berurah (426:20) writes that this second requirement of waiting seven days is a minority opinion. Most poskim maintain that Kiddush Levana may be recited beginning 72 hours after the molad. The common custom is to wait until the first Motzei Shabbos that falls more than 72 hours after the molad. If Motzei Shabbos is cloudy, Kiddush Levana should be said during the week.

Rama (OC 426:1) writes that Kiddush Levana must be recited at night, when one can benefit from the light of the moon. Mishnah Berurah (426:2) adds that even if the moon is visible during twilight, Kiddush Levana should not be recited, since one does not benefit fully from the light of the moon until it is dark. The Birkei Yosef (426:4) explains that although Kiddush Levana should not be said when it is not possible to benefit from the moon, it is not necessary to actually benefit from the moon’s light at the time of recitation. The bracha is on the orderly conduct of the moon, not on the pleasure of utilizing the light. For this reason, Kiddush Levana can be said even when standing in a well-lit area.

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