zmanim introduction
Zmanim (halachic times)
I am not a Rabbi, nor am I a Talmid Chacham. On a good day with a strong tailwind, I can work my way up to an Am Ha'aretz. The halacha involved in determining zmanim is complex and there are many different shitot (opinions) governing the various aspects of the "Jewish clock". I've done my best with the assistance of some good friends who know a lot more than I do. I am especially grateful to Baruch Adler (my long time chevruta), David Kramer, Rav Aharon Tratner, and Rav Steven Weisberg for their generous assistance and for not letting up. It's OK guys, the lump on my head is finally going down.I'm grateful to Rav Avrohom Altein, a Kaluach user from Canada, who has been very helpful in providing special insights regarding halachic considerations in the diaspora. Several shitot has been added or adjusted as a result of his suggestions and advice.
Also, a special thanks to Rav Shraya Deblitzki who was kind enough to answer some particularly difficult halachic questions.
The zmanim presented in Kaluach are based on astronomical events and do not take elevation into account. This is in accord with one commonly accepted shita and in this regard they are fairly accurate (within a few minutes). However, the use of astronomical realities isn't necessarily the only arbiter of halacha. Rav Y. M. Tucazinski's tables (commonly used in Eretz Yisrael) are based on observations and take into account elevation and the existence of mountains in the horizon. This results in times that may vary significantly from those based on calculations of astronomical phenomena (such as those presented in Kaluach).
In addition, many major halachic works which I can barely understand (Yad Hachazakah, Shulchan Aruch, Aruch Hashulchan, and others), are filled with lengthy discussions attempting to define alot hashachar, tzeit hakochavim, the length of the "Jewish day", tosefet Shabbat, and so on. The number of shitot is virtually unlimited. The terms and definitions given below are intended to give the user of Kaluach a general overview of the halachic issues involved and are in no way intended to be the final word. Not all opinions and shitot are represented here, but rather those that I have been able to determine are either the most commonly used or of special interest to the user.
Kaluach provides the capability to choose from among some of the more commonly accepted shitot for the calculation of zmanim. These shitot are mostly derived from the works of Rav Professor Yehuda (Leo) Levi, Rav Shraya Deblitzki, Rav Y. M. Tucazinski, and the above-mentioned major halachic works (on those occasions that I actually succeeded in understanding what was going on, or had someone explain it to me).
Be aware that my understanding of the halachic principles involved might be deficient, defective, or dafuk (complete nonsense), and for this I apologize and request your feedback and corrections. (I'm a big boy and can take it.)
Halachic times are used to determine the starting and ending times of many halachic observances. If by some twisted quirk of fate I've succeeded in getting at least some of this correct, you are still advised to consult with the proper rabbinic authority to ensure proper halachic observance. The times are presented for convenience and as an item of interest. See the disclaimer under Help in the main menu.
(Using Kaluach does not preclude the need for learning. Learn torah by participating in as many shiurim as you can.)
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