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1. During the prayer of sanctifying the new moon we ask G-d to protect us from our enemies and that fear should overwhelm them. After saying this, we turn to three people around us and say “Shalom Aleichem”—as if to say, “I didn’t mean you when I was talking about enemies. You should have only peace.” 1
2. According to the Midrash, the sun and moon were originally the same size. The moon (i.e., its spiritual antecedent) then complained to G-d saying that “two kings cannot share one crown”—one of us should be greater than the other. G-d responded by saying that the moon should diminish itself. Which it did.
Now although the moon intended to have the sun diminished, there is peace between them—the sun does not take revenge. Rather, it bestows light upon the moon despite the moon’s initial hostility. So when we witness the birth of the new moon—that there is peace between it and the sun and the latter provides it with light—we are inspired to make peace with our neighbors even if they have done us wrong. We say peace three times to grant it permanence (chazakah). 2
[Ed. note: Also read "Why are many things in Judaism done three times?"]
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