Shalom Aleichem in the Sanctification of the Moon
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Question
Shalom Rav. Is it obligatory during the sanctification of the moon to say 'Shalom Aleichem' to one's fellow, and is it necessary to meet three people to say it to them? And if there is a concern that the person opposite is at a different point in the sanctification of the moon (perhaps at the beginning or end but holding at a different place), is it still customary to stop him and say 'Shalom Aleichem'?
Answer
Shalom Rav
This is the custom, as brought by the Rema. However, it is not an 'obligation', as a person can sanctify the moon even alone.
If the responder is not in the middle of a blessing, you can say 'Shalom Aleichem' to him. Similarly, the responder should be careful not to respond in the middle of a blessing or verse, but rather finish and then respond.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 426, Sif 2