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Reference of Measurements in Halacha: Difference between revisions

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===Kedei Shtiyat Reviyit===
===Kedei Shtiyat Reviyit===
#= See [[Kedei Shtiyat Reviyit]] (the time in which a [[Reviyit]] is considered drunk together)
# See [[Kedei Shtiyat Reviyit]] (the time in which a [[Reviyit]] is considered drunk together)


==Length==
==Length==
===Amah, Tefach, Etzbah===
===Amah, Tefach, Etzbah===
# According to Rav Moshe Feinstein, the [[Amah]] is 21.25 inches (53.98 centimeters), the [[Tefach]] is 3.54 inches (9.00 centimeters), and the Etzbah is 0.89 inches (2.25 centimeters). <ref> Sh”t Igrot Moshe O”C 1:136. writes that the [[Amah]] is 21.25 inches and one can be strict to hold that it is 23 inches. </ref>
# According to Rav Moshe Feinstein, the [[Amah]] is 21.25 inches (53.98 centimeters), the [[Tefach]] is 3.54 inches (9.00 centimeters), and the Etzbah is 0.89 inches (2.25 centimeters). <ref> Sh”t Igrot Moshe O”C 1:136. writes that the [[Amah]] is 21.25 inches and one can be strict to hold that it is 23 inches. Similarly, the Aruch Hashulchan YD 286:21 writes that 4 amot is one Russian ''sazhen'' which is the equivalent of 7 feet (see [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsolete_Russian_units_of_measurement Wikipedia's page on Russian measurements]) meaning that the amah is 21 inches. [https://asif.co.il/download/kitvey-et/kol/kol-30/1-29.pdf Dr. Gideon Freedman in Kol Bramah v. 4 p. 229] proves that the Aruch Hashulchan YD 201:3 and Mishna Brurah 358:7 both hold that the amah is 21 inches. The Aruch Hashulchan says that an amah is three quarters of a arshin and an arshin is 71.12 cm. The Mishna Brurah ties 53 russian arshins to 70.83 amot. See there for the calculations.</ref>
# According to Rav Chaim Noeh, the [[Amah]] is 18.90 inches (48 centimeters), the [[Tefach]] is 3.15 inches (8 centimeters), and the Etzbah is 0.79 inches (2 centimeters) <ref>Shiurei Torah (by Rav Chaim Noeh, Siman 3 Seif 25 pg 249) </ref>
# According to Rav Chaim Noeh, the [[Amah]] is 18.90 inches (48 centimeters), the [[Tefach]] is 3.15 inches (8 centimeters), and the Etzbah is 0.79 inches (2 centimeters) <ref>Shiurei Torah (by Rav Chaim Noeh, Siman 3 Seif 25 pg 249) </ref>
# According to the Chazon Ish, the [[Amah]] is 24 inches (60.96 centimeters), the [[Tefach]] is 4 inches (10.16 centimeters), and the Etzbah is 1 inch (2.54 centimeters). <ref> Shiurin shel Torah (pg 3) by the Steipler quoting the Chazon Ish but admitting that these are approximate measures because of the need to publicize the measures but not an accurate calculation. </ref>
# According to the Chazon Ish, the [[Amah]] is 24 inches (60.96 centimeters), the [[Tefach]] is 4 inches (10.16 centimeters), and the Etzbah is 1 inch (2.54 centimeters). <ref> Shiurin shel Torah (pg 3) by the Steipler quoting the Chazon Ish but admitting that these are approximate measures because of the need to publicize the measures but not an accurate calculation. </ref>
===Mil===
===Mil===
# When [[Mil]] is given in terms of time, some consider it 18 minutes, some 22.5 minutes, and some 24 minutes. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 459:2 writes that the [[mil]] is 18 minutes. Rama 261:1 agrees. Beiur Halacha 459:2 s.v. Haviy quotes some who consider it 22.5 minutes and others who say that it is 24 minutes.</ref>
# When [[Mil]] is given in terms of time, some consider it 18 minutes, some 22.5 minutes, and some 24 minutes. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 459:2 writes that the [[mil]] is 18 minutes. Rama 261:1 agrees. Beiur Halacha 459:2 s.v. Haviy quotes some who consider it 22.5 minutes and others who say that it is 24 minutes.</ref>
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===Prutah===
===Prutah===
# A [[prutah]] is 1/40 of a gram of silver (which is about a few cents). However, the [[prutah]] with regards to the mitzvah of returning a lost object is discussed [[Returning_Lost_Objects#Worth_a_Prutah| here]]. <ref> S”A CM 88:1 says a [[prutah]] is a half of a pearl of barley. Shiurei Torah (Rav Chaim Noeh pg 177) and Shiurei HaMitzvot (Chazon Ish pg 65) say a [[prutah]] is 1/40 of a gram of silver (which currently is about 2.3 cents). Halachos of [[Chanukah]] (Rabbi Shimon Eider, pg 38) quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein saying that a [[prutah]] is 2 or 3 cents and not just one penny. See Halachos of Other People’s Money (Rabbi Bodner pg 150) who quotes Rav Moshe regarding a [[prutah]] for the mitzvah of returning a lost object. </ref>
# A [[prutah]] is 1/40 of a gram of silver (which is about a few cents). However, the [[prutah]] with regards to the mitzvah of returning a lost object is discussed [[Returning_Lost_Objects#Worth_a_Prutah| here]]. <ref> S”A CM 88:1 says a [[prutah]] is a half of a pearl of barley. Shiurei Torah (Rav Chaim Noeh pg 177) and Shiurei HaMitzvot (Chazon Ish pg 65) say a [[prutah]] is 1/40 of a gram of silver (which currently is about 2.3 cents). Halachos of [[Chanukah]] (Rabbi Shimon Eider, pg 38) quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein saying that a [[prutah]] is 2 or 3 cents and not just one penny. See Halachos of Other People’s Money (Rabbi Bodner pg 150) who quotes Rav Moshe regarding a [[prutah]] for the mitzvah of returning a lost object. </ref>
===Asara Zehuvim===
# If someone steals someone else's mitzvah they should pay them the 10 zehuvim, which is equal to 1200 grams of silver (roughly $650 but varies).<ref>Rav Chaim Noeh (Shiurei Torah p. 379 ch. 3 n. 45) writes that the 10 zehuvim are equal to 250 silver dinar which are 1200 grams of silver.</ref>


==Time==
==Time==
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## According to Sephardim, regarding Deoritta laws (including [[Kriyat Shema]]) one should be strict for the opinion of the Magen Avraham. <ref>  In conclusion, Minchat Cohen (Mevoh Hashemesh 2:9), Erech HaShulchan 433, Halichot Olam (vol 1, Vaera 3), and Yalkut Yosef (vol 1, pg 98) write that one should be strict for the opinion of the Magen Avraham for Deoritta issues, for example [[Kriyat Shema]]. </ref>
## According to Sephardim, regarding Deoritta laws (including [[Kriyat Shema]]) one should be strict for the opinion of the Magen Avraham. <ref>  In conclusion, Minchat Cohen (Mevoh Hashemesh 2:9), Erech HaShulchan 433, Halichot Olam (vol 1, Vaera 3), and Yalkut Yosef (vol 1, pg 98) write that one should be strict for the opinion of the Magen Avraham for Deoritta issues, for example [[Kriyat Shema]]. </ref>
## Among Ashkenazim, some are strict to hold like the Magen Avraham, unless there is an serious need, in which case one may hold like the Gra. <ref>Rabbi Yechiel Michel Tukachinsky in Sefer Eretz Yisrael (pg 18#3) writes that the minhag of [[Israel]] is to follow the magen avraham and only under pressure may one rely on the Gra.</ref>However, some are lenient to rely on the Gra. <ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 77-79) says that many follow the opinion of the Gra in calculating the time for Sof [[Kriyat Shema]]. </ref>
## Among Ashkenazim, some are strict to hold like the Magen Avraham, unless there is an serious need, in which case one may hold like the Gra. <ref>Rabbi Yechiel Michel Tukachinsky in Sefer Eretz Yisrael (pg 18#3) writes that the minhag of [[Israel]] is to follow the magen avraham and only under pressure may one rely on the Gra.</ref>However, some are lenient to rely on the Gra. <ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 77-79) says that many follow the opinion of the Gra in calculating the time for Sof [[Kriyat Shema]]. </ref>
===Alot HaShachar===
===Olot HaShachar===
# Many rishonim hold that [[Olot HaShachar]] is 72 minutes before sunrise on a "perfect day" (when sunrise and sunset are exactly 12 hours apart) in Jerusalem which is equivalent to when the sun is 16 degrees below the horizon for everywhere in the world, however, others hold that [[Olot HaShachar]] is 90 minutes on a perfect day which is 19.78 degrees below the horizon. <ref>
# Many rishonim hold that [[Olot HaShachar]] is 72 minutes before sunrise on a "perfect day" (when sunrise and sunset are exactly 12 hours apart) in Jerusalem which is equivalent to when the sun is 16 degrees below the horizon for everywhere in the world, however, others hold that [[Olot HaShachar]] is 90 minutes on a perfect day which is 19.78 degrees below the horizon. <ref>
* Sefer Zmanim KeHilchatam (Rabbi Berstein, pg 347) writes that 72 minutes on a perfect day in Jerusalem is equal to when the sun is 16 degrees below the horizon and 90 minutes is equal to 19.78 degrees below the horizon. He personally rules that one should be strict for both of these opinions for Deoritta halachas and those derabbanan halachas where safek is lechumra. He tries to prove that this is the opinion of the Mishna Brurah (92:3, Beiur Halacha 163:1 s.v. Berachok). However, he totally rejects the opinion that [[Olot HaShachar]] is 120 minutes before sunrise.  
* The Rosh (Brachot 4:1) writes that Olot for the korban tamid and Shacharit is after the rays of the sun begin to show and also the Eastern part of the sky began to become light. This is also the opinion of the Rabbenu Yerucham cited by Bet Yosef 89:1. Shulchan Aruch 89:1 codifies their opinion. Magen Avraham 89:3 argues that many rishonim hold that Olot is once the rays of the sun begin to show even though the Eastern part of the sky isn't light. Torat Yoma 28a siman 11 writes that the Rambam Pirush Mishnayot Yoma 3:1 and Ritva Yoma 28a hold like the Rosh and Rabbenu Yerucham, while Rashi sides with the Magen Avraham. Practically, the Mishna Brurah (Biur Halacha 89:1 s.v. v'im) writes that one shouldn't be lenient for the Magen Avraham as the Eliya Rabba, Mateh Yehuda, and Gra argue with the Magen Avraham. Therefore, Olot is once the rays of the sun began to show and also the Eastern part of the sky became light.
* Sefer Zmanim KeHilchatam (Rabbi Berstein, pg 347) writes that 72 minutes on a perfect day in Jerusalem is equal to when the sun is 16 degrees below the horizon and 90 minutes is equal to 19.78 degrees below the horizon. He personally rules that one should be strict for both of these opinions for Deoritta halachas and those derabbanan halachas where safek is lechumra. He tries to prove that this is the opinion of the Mishna Brurah (92:3, Beiur Halacha 163:1 s.v. Berachok). However, he totally rejects the opinion that [[Olot HaShachar]] is 120 minutes before sunrise. [It is noteworthy that astronomical dawn is the time when the Sun is at 18 degrees below the horizon and before then the sky is absolutely dark ([timeanddate.com https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/different-types-twilight.html]).]
* He also quotes Rabbi Tukachinsky who held like the opinion of 90 minutes.  
* He also quotes Rabbi Tukachinsky who held like the opinion of 90 minutes.  
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 65-7) says that we assume that [[Olot HaShachar]] depends on degrees below horizon and the specific times vary according to one’s location. Similarly, [http://www.ou.org/webcast_kosher Rav Yisrael Belsky] (OU Kosher Webcast, 2011, min 19-21) mentioned in passing that [[Olot HaShachar]] is assumed to be 72 minutes before sunrise, varying according to the longitude and latitude. </ref>
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 65-7) says that we assume that [[Olot HaShachar]] depends on degrees below horizon and the specific times vary according to one’s location. Similarly, [http://www.ou.org/webcast_kosher Rav Yisrael Belsky] (OU Kosher Webcast, 2011, min 19-21) mentioned in passing that [[Olot HaShachar]] is assumed to be 72 minutes before sunrise, varying according to the longitude and latitude. </ref>
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* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 68-70) says that Rav Moshe held [[MeSheYakir]] is between 35-40 minutes before sunrise and seems to agree with him, although he mentions that some say it’s 55 minutes before sunrise.</ref>
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 68-70) says that Rav Moshe held [[MeSheYakir]] is between 35-40 minutes before sunrise and seems to agree with him, although he mentions that some say it’s 55 minutes before sunrise.</ref>
===HaNetz HaChama (Sunrise)===
===HaNetz HaChama (Sunrise)===
# [[HaNetz HaChama]] is sunrise which, in general, is halachically the same as the astronomical calculation of sunrise.<ref>
# [[HaNetz HaChama]] is sunrise which is halachically the same as the astronomical calculation of sunrise.<ref>
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 69-72) says that sunrise is the same as the sunrise calculated by the naval observatory which is when the sun begins to rise.  
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 69-72) says that sunrise is the same as the sunrise calculated by the naval observatory which is when the sun begins to rise. Halacha Brurah 58:7 proves that netz is astronomical sunrise when the upper edge of the sun is on the horizon as opposed to the opinion of the Divrei Dovid 36 and Ben Ish Chai Vayishlach no. 4 that it is 2.6 minutes earlier.  
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 72-77) says that sunset should be determined as though the mountains to the east and west are at sea level and do not block the visibility of the sun. However, the elevation of the place one is currently located is taken into consideration and if one is in a valley the sunset is a little later (less than 5 minutes) than what would have been visible. Yet, he adds, that most opinions hold that regarding sunrise both one’s location’s elevation and surrounding mountains are taken into consideration. </ref>
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 72-77) says that sunset should be determined as though the mountains to the east and west are at sea level and do not block the visibility of the sun. However, the elevation of the place one is currently located is taken into consideration and if one is in a valley the sunset is a little later (less than 5 minutes) than what would have been visible. Yet, he adds, that most opinions hold that regarding sunrise both one’s location’s elevation and surrounding mountains are taken into consideration. </ref> This is the standard time printed for netz such as on myzmanim.com.
 
===Chatzot===
===Chatzot===
# [[Chatzot]] is midday and midnight, always separated by 12 hours.<ref>Mishna Brurah 1:9 writes that [[chatzot]] at night is always 12 hours after [[chatzot]] of day for any place in the world.</ref>
# [[Chatzot]] is midday and midnight, always separated by 12 hours.<ref>Mishna Brurah 1:9 writes that [[chatzot]] at night is always 12 hours after [[chatzot]] of day for any place in the world.</ref>
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===Yad Soledet Bo===
===Yad Soledet Bo===
# For purposes of cooking on Shabbat and Kashrut, Yad Soledet Bo is certainly hotter than 113 degrees fahrenheit. <ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata (ch. 1, note 3), Badei Hashulchan 92:151</ref> Others are concerned for anything over 110 degrees fahrenheit and over 160 degrees is certainly yad soledet bo. <Ref>Igrot Moshe (OC 4:74 Bishul no. 3), The Laws of Kashrut p. 111)</reF>
# For purposes of cooking on Shabbat and Kashrut, Yad Soledet Bo is certainly hotter than 113 degrees Fahrenheit. <ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata (ch. 1, note 3), Badei Hashulchan 92:151</ref> Others are concerned for anything over 110 degrees Fahrenheit and over 160 degrees is certainly yad soledet bo. <Ref>Igrot Moshe (OC 4:74 Bishul no. 3), The Laws of Kashrut p. 111). [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/788227/rabbi-hershel-schachter/kashrus-in-the-home/ Rav Hershel Schachter ("Kashrus in the Home" 2012, about min 30)] quotes Rav Soloveitchik that yad soledet bo is at least 140 degrees and no more than 160 degrees.</ref>


==Links==
==Links==