Reference of Measurements in Halacha: Difference between revisions
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|Chazon Ish<ref>Steipler in Shiurin Shel Torah ( | |Chazon Ish<ref>Steipler in Shiurin Shel Torah (second edition, 5750, pp. 65-6; first edition, 5716, pp. 86-7) quotes the Chazon Ish that a [[Kezayit]] is 2/3 of a modern egg and an egg today measures between 45-50 grams. At most, the kezayit would be 33.3 grams. Vezot HaBracha (Birur Halacha 1:3) records this opinion of the Chazon Ish as 33.3cc for a [[Kezayit]]. The Chazon Ish's opinion of [[Kezayit]] is partially based on the opinion of the Tzlach who doubles today's eggs to figure out a kebaytzeh. However, the Chazon Ish also holds that the kezayit is only 1/3 of a kebeytzeh like the Rambam.</ref> | ||
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#According to Ashkenazim, all sizes are measured in volume and not weight.<ref>Mishna Brurah 456:3, Vezot HaBracha (pg 6) </ref> However, according to Sephardim the actual halacha is that measures are in volume but the minhag is to follow the measures in weight. <ref>See Yalkut Yosef (Klalei [[Brachot]] pg 195-202) who discusses this at length. However, see Or Letzion (Vol. 3, Introduction) who argues that the custom to use weight is only for foods which have similar density to water, but for other foods (like Matza) one would use volume. Halacha Brurah 210:2 rules that the kezayit is measured by volume and not weight. See Otzrot Yosef 8:9. </ref> | #According to Ashkenazim, all sizes are measured in volume and not weight.<ref>Mishna Brurah 456:3, Vezot HaBracha (pg 6) </ref> However, according to Sephardim the actual halacha is that measures are in volume but the minhag is to follow the measures in weight. <ref>See Yalkut Yosef (Klalei [[Brachot]] pg 195-202) who discusses this at length. However, see Or Letzion (Vol. 3, Introduction) who argues that the custom to use weight is only for foods which have similar density to water, but for other foods (like Matza) one would use volume. Halacha Brurah 210:2 rules that the kezayit is measured by volume and not weight. See Otzrot Yosef 8:9. </ref> | ||
#There’s a dispute in the Rishonim whether the [[Kezayit]] (olive size) is a half or third of a [[KeBaytzah]] (egg size), and regarding [[Bracha Achrona]] and Deoritta Mitzvot, the halacha follows the opinion that a [[Kezayit]] is half a KeBeytzah. <ref>*Mishna Brurah 486:1 writes that the Tosfot holds a [[Kezayit]] is half of a KeBeitzah with the shell and the Rambam holds it is a third of a KeBeitzah (see Tosfot (Yoma 80b s.v. Vshiuro), Rambam (Eiruvin 1:9)). | #There’s a dispute in the Rishonim whether the [[Kezayit]] (olive size) is a half or third of a [[KeBaytzah]] (egg size), and regarding [[Bracha Achrona]] and Deoritta Mitzvot, the halacha follows the opinion that a [[Kezayit]] is half a KeBeytzah. <ref>*Mishna Brurah 486:1 writes that the Tosfot holds a [[Kezayit]] is half of a KeBeitzah with the shell and the Rambam holds it is a third of a KeBeitzah (see Tosfot (Yoma 80b s.v. Vshiuro), Rambam (Eiruvin 1:9)). Shulchan Aruch O.C. 486 adopts Tosfot. Rav Avraham Chaim Noeh (Shiurei Torah 3:12) argues that Tosfot holds half a KeBeitzah without the shell. | ||
*What's the halacha? Mishna Brurah 486:1 rules that for Deoritta Mitzvot and [[Bracha Achrona]], one should eat the size of half a KeBeitzah, but for Derabbanan Mitzvot, one third suffices. He adds that since one has to make a Bracha on [[maror]], one should eat half a KeBeitzah. | *What's the halacha? Mishna Brurah 486:1 rules that for Deoritta Mitzvot and [[Bracha Achrona]], one should eat the size of half a KeBeitzah, but for Derabbanan Mitzvot, one third suffices. He adds that since one has to make a Bracha on [[maror]], one should eat half a KeBeitzah. | ||
*Chazon Ish OC 39:17 decided that we could be lenient like the Rambam. See below for an exact amount according to Chazon Ish. | *Chazon Ish OC 39:17 decided that we could be lenient like the Rambam. See below for an exact amount according to Chazon Ish. | ||
*Background: According to the Ri (Tosfot Yoma 80b) a kezayit is equal to half an egg. He is based on the gemara Yoma 80a that a person can swallow an egg one time and Keritut that a person can swallow two olives at one time. According to the Rambam it is less than a third of an egg. The Rambam holds like Rabbi Yochanan Ben Broka who says that two meals is the volume of 6 eggs (Eruvin 82b) and two meal is also equal to 18 dates (Eruvin 80b). Since the date is bigger than an olive (Yoma 79b) the kezayit is less than a third of an egg. According to rabbenu tam it is less than 30% of an egg. Gra 486 answers the questions for each approach. Rabbenu Tam says we follow Rabbi Shimon who holds that two meals is 5.33 eggs (Eruvin 38b) since according to him the general amount of a loaf is 8 eggs which is broadly accepted in gemara as the primary volume for tumat ochlin which is 1/8 of a loaf. Since two meals is 18 dates (Eruvin 80b) and a date is larger than an olive (Yoma 79b) the olive must be less than 8/27 of an egg. Gra 486 explains each opinion in depth. He answers why the Rambam wasn’t concerned about tumat ochlin since the gemara was discussing an egg without a peel which is 66% the size of a regular egg and the size of an egg for tumat ochlin isn’t precise. That also answers the discrepancy of whether a person can swallow two olives or an egg, the egg discussed is an egg without a peel. He also adds that the Rambam held like Rabbi Yochanan Ben Broka because the Mishna in Peah 8:6 follows his opinion but Tosfot argue that Peah which is biblical isn’t a proof for the size of a meal for eruvin which is rabbinic.</ref> | *Background: According to the Ri (Tosfot Yoma 80b) a kezayit is equal to half an egg. He is based on the gemara Yoma 80a that a person can swallow an egg one time and Keritut that a person can swallow two olives at one time. According to the Rambam it is less than a third of an egg. The Rambam holds like Rabbi Yochanan Ben Broka who says that two meals is the volume of 6 eggs (Eruvin 82b) and two meal is also equal to 18 dates (Eruvin 80b). Since the date is bigger than an olive (Yoma 79b) the kezayit is less than a third of an egg. According to rabbenu tam it is less than 30% of an egg. Gra 486 answers the questions for each approach. Rabbenu Tam says we follow Rabbi Shimon who holds that two meals is 5.33 eggs (Eruvin 38b) since according to him the general amount of a loaf is 8 eggs which is broadly accepted in gemara as the primary volume for tumat ochlin which is 1/8 of a loaf. Since two meals is 18 dates (Eruvin 80b) and a date is larger than an olive (Yoma 79b) the olive must be less than 8/27 of an egg. Gra 486 explains each opinion in depth. He answers why the Rambam wasn’t concerned about tumat ochlin since the gemara was discussing an egg without a peel which is 66% the size of a regular egg and the size of an egg for tumat ochlin isn’t precise. That also answers the discrepancy of whether a person can swallow two olives or an egg, the egg discussed is an egg without a peel. He also adds that the Rambam held like Rabbi Yochanan Ben Broka because the Mishna in Peah 8:6 follows his opinion but Tosfot argue that Peah which is biblical isn’t a proof for the size of a meal for eruvin which is rabbinic.</ref> | ||
#According to Rav Chaim Noeh, the [[Kezayit]] for Deoritta measures (eating [[Matzah]]) and [[Bracha Achrona]] is 27cc. The Chazon Ish’s opinion is that the [[Kezayit]] is 33.3 grams (1.3 oz). <ref>*The Tzlach (Pesachim 116b) holds that the modern day eggs are half the size of those in the days of Chazal. However, Rav Noeh (Shiurei Torah Shaar 3) argues that the modern day eggs have not changed from the days of Chazal. Mishna Brurah 486:1 writes that for the mitzvah deoraitta of [[matza]], one should follow the stringent view of the Tzlach. | #According to Rav Chaim Noeh, the [[Kezayit]] for Deoritta measures (eating [[Matzah]]) and [[Bracha Achrona]] is 27cc. The Chazon Ish’s opinion is that the [[Kezayit]] is 33.3 grams (1.3 oz).<ref>*The Tzlach (Pesachim 116b s.v. vhoil) holds that the modern day eggs are half the size of those in the days of Chazal. However, Rav Noeh (Shiurei Torah Shaar 3) argues that the modern day eggs have not changed from the days of Chazal. Mishna Brurah 486:1 writes that for the mitzvah deoraitta of [[matza]], one should follow the stringent view of the Tzlach. See Rav Shlomo Wahrman (Orot Haesach 28) who explains why there is no need to say that the eggs have shrunk since the times of the Gemara. See also Maaseh Rav 74, where it says that the Gra accepted the position of the Tzlach. | ||
*Practically, how much is a [[Kezayit]]? | *Practically, how much is a [[Kezayit]]? | ||
**(1) Rav Chaim Noeh in Shiurei Torah (3:11, pg 191, 5707) writes that for Deoritta Mitzvot one should eat 28.8cc, however, in Shiurei Tzion (p. 70, 5709) he writes that it is 27cc. Vezot HaBracha (Birur Halacha 1) explains that Rav Chaim Noeh retracted from his original ruling. | **(1) Rav Chaim Noeh in Shiurei Torah (3:11, pg 191, 5707) writes that for Deoritta Mitzvot one should eat 28.8cc, however, in Shiurei Tzion (p. 70, 5709) he writes that it is 27cc. Vezot HaBracha (Birur Halacha 1) explains that Rav Chaim Noeh retracted from his original ruling. | ||
**(2) Steipler in Shiurin Shel Torah (p. 66) quotes the Chazon Ish that a [[Kezayit]] is 2/3 of a modern egg and an egg can possibly be up to 55cc. Therefore, Vezot HaBracha (Birur Halacha 1) writes that the Chazon Ish holds that 33.3cc is a [[Kezayit]]. The Chazon Ish's opinion of [[Kezayit]] is partially based on the opinion of the Tzlach. see also Chazon Ish in Hilchot [[Shabbat]] 39. | **(2) Steipler in Shiurin Shel Torah (p. 66) quotes the Chazon Ish that a [[Kezayit]] is 2/3 of a modern egg and an egg can possibly be up to 55cc. Therefore, Vezot HaBracha (Birur Halacha 1) writes that the Chazon Ish holds that 33.3cc is a [[Kezayit]]. The Chazon Ish's opinion of [[Kezayit]] is partially based on the opinion of the Tzlach. see also Chazon Ish in Hilchot [[Shabbat]] 39. | ||
**(3) Vezot HaBracha (Birur Halacha 1) quotes Haggadat Kol Dodi which quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein as saying that a [[Kezayit]] is 31.2cc. [However, Rabbi Bodner in Halachos of K’zayis (p. 24) writes that Rav Dovid Feinstein told him that Rav Moshe never measured the eggs himself and it was his student who calculated 1.1oz, but that if his calculations were more precise he should use those. Therefore, Rabbi Bodner rules, based on his own calculations, that a [[Kezayit]] is 27.2cc.] | **(3) Vezot HaBracha (Birur Halacha 1) quotes Haggadat Kol Dodi which quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein as saying that a [[Kezayit]] is 31.2cc. [However, Rabbi Bodner in Halachos of K’zayis (p. 24) writes that Rav Dovid Feinstein told him that Rav Moshe never measured the eggs himself and it was his student who calculated 1.1oz, but that if his calculations were more precise he should use those. Therefore, Rabbi Bodner rules, based on his own calculations, that a [[Kezayit]] is 27.2cc.] | ||
**(4) Rav Mordechai Willig ([http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/760487/Rabbi_Mordechai_I_Willig/How_Much_Matza_Do_You_Need_to_Eat Pesach To-Go, Nisan 5771], p. 60) is of the opinion that the size in volume of a kezayis is 22.5 cubic centimeters. | **(4) Rav Mordechai Willig ([http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/760487/Rabbi_Mordechai_I_Willig/How_Much_Matza_Do_You_Need_to_Eat Pesach To-Go, Nisan 5771], p. 60) is of the opinion that the size in volume of a kezayis is 22.5 cubic centimeters. | ||
</ref> | **(5) Rav Shlomo Miller (approbation to Hiddurei Hamiddot p. 80, second edition) writes that for a sick person on Pesach they can rely on the kezayit as 4/9 oz or 13.1 cc. It is based on the Ritva Brachot 1:7 and Ri Shu'iv Tzav who write that the reviyit is 2 unkeliyot and he explains that these are equivalent to modern day ounces (see Chavot Yair in Chut Hashani 97 and R' Reich in Mesoret Hashekel) and also uses the opinion that the kezayit is 1/3 of a kebeytzeh.</ref> | ||
##The minhag of the world and many other authorities is to follow Rav Chaim Noeh’s opinion. <ref>Vezot HaBracha (pg 6, Birur 1, pg 221) quotes Rav Elyashiv and Rav Shlomo Zalman saying that for [[Bracha Achrona]] the widely accepted measurement of the [[Kezayit]] is according to Rav Chaim Noeh. Vezot HaBracha also mentions that such is the minhag of the world. </ref> | ##The minhag of the world and many other authorities is to follow Rav Chaim Noeh’s opinion.<ref>Vezot HaBracha (pg 6, Birur 1, pg 221) quotes Rav Elyashiv and Rav Shlomo Zalman saying that for [[Bracha Achrona]] the widely accepted measurement of the [[Kezayit]] is according to Rav Chaim Noeh. Vezot HaBracha also mentions that such is the minhag of the world. Yachava Daat 1:16 accepts Rav Noeh's opinion.</ref> | ||
#If one ate between a third and a half a [[KeBaytzah]] one should not make a Bracha achrona because of safek [[Brachot]]. Therefore, one should have less than a third and not make a Bracha achrona or more than a half and make a Bracha achrona. <ref>Mishna Brurah 486:1 </ref> | #If one ate between a third and a half a [[KeBaytzah]] one should not make a Bracha achrona because of safek [[Brachot]]. Therefore, one should have less than a third and not make a Bracha achrona or more than a half and make a Bracha achrona.<ref>Mishna Brurah 486:1 </ref> | ||
#On Mitzvot Deoritta such as eating [[Matzah]] one must be strict to hold a [[Kezayit]] is a half a [[KeBaytzah]]. However, regarding מצות Derabbanan it’s preferable to hold that a [[Kezayit]] is a half a kebaytzah, however, one may rely on the opinion that a [[Kezayit]] is a third a kebaytzah. <ref>Mishna Brurah 486:1 </ref> | #On Mitzvot Deoritta such as eating [[Matzah]] one must be strict to hold a [[Kezayit]] is a half a [[KeBaytzah]]. However, regarding מצות Derabbanan it’s preferable to hold that a [[Kezayit]] is a half a kebaytzah, however, one may rely on the opinion that a [[Kezayit]] is a third a kebaytzah. <ref>Mishna Brurah 486:1 </ref> | ||
#One needs to make sure that he does not count air in the food as part of the shiur of kezayis. If one has a food that is hollow, a kezayis of that food is considered when the food would be pressed.<ref>Rama 486:1 </ref> | #One needs to make sure that he does not count air in the food as part of the shiur of kezayis. If one has a food that is hollow, a kezayis of that food is considered when the food would be pressed.<ref>Rama 486:1 </ref> | ||
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===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 O.C. 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. | ||
#When [[Mil]] is given in terms of distance it is equal to 2000 [[Amot]]. <ref>Rashi Yoma 67a s.v. shivah and Tosfot Shabbat 34b s.v. safek write that a mil is 2000 amot. Shulchan Aruch 261:2 writes that 3/4 of a [[mil]] is equal to 1500 [[amot]], implying a [[mil]] is 2000 [[amot]]. [http://www.yeshiva.org.il/midrash/shiur.asp?id=15883#3b Rabbi Melamed on yeshiva.org.il] writes that a [[mil]] is 2000 [[amot]].</ref> | * The 18 minute mil emerges from calculating that it is possible to travel 40 mil over 12 hours from netz until shekiya. On an equinox day, there are 720 minutes from sunrise until sunset, yielding a 18 minute mil (720/40=18). This is the opinion of the Rambam Pirush Mishnayot Brachot 1:1, Trumat Hadeshen, and Shulchan Aruch O.C. 459:1. | ||
* The 22.5 minute mil is based on the understanding that a person could walk 40 mil from olot to tzet, with 4 mil from olot until netz and 4 mil from shekiya until tzet, leaving 32 mil from netz until shekiya. Dividing up the 12 hours of the equinox day into 32 equal sections produces a 22.5 minute mil (40-4-4=32; 720/32=22.5). This is the opinion of the Gra 459:1 and Zmanim Khalacha pp. 19-20. | |||
* The 24 minute mil is sourced in the Rambam Korban Pesach 5:8 and Pirush Mishnayot Pesachim 9:1 who holds that a person could travel 15 mil from netz until chatzot and when doubled it emerges a person can travel 30 mil from netz until shekiya. Diving 12 hours into 30 equal parts yields a 24 minute mil (720/30=24).</ref> | |||
#When [[Mil]] is given in terms of distance it is equal to 2000 [[Amot]].<ref>Rashi Yoma 67a s.v. shivah and Tosfot Shabbat 34b s.v. safek write that a mil is 2000 amot. Shulchan Aruch O.C. 261:2 writes that 3/4 of a [[mil]] is equal to 1500 [[amot]], implying a [[mil]] is 2000 [[amot]]. [http://www.yeshiva.org.il/midrash/shiur.asp?id=15883#3b Rabbi Melamed on yeshiva.org.il] writes that a [[mil]] is 2000 [[amot]].</ref> | |||
==Money== | ==Money== | ||
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===Prutah=== | ===Prutah=== | ||
#A [[prutah]] is 1/40 of a gram of silver, which today is equal to {{PrutaVar}} cents.<ref>This evaluation of the pruta in pennies uses the price of an ounce of silver given by a webserver with that information [http://services.packetizer.com/spotprices/ here].</ref> However, the [[prutah]] with regards to the mitzvah of returning a lost object is discussed [[Returning_Lost_Objects#Worth_a_Prutah| here]].<ref>Shulchan C.M. 88:1 says a [[prutah]] is a half of a pearl of barley. Shiurei Torah (Rav Chaim Noeh pg 177) and | #A [[prutah]] is 1/40 of a gram of silver, which today is equal to {{PrutaVar}} cents.<ref>This evaluation of the pruta in pennies uses the price of an ounce of silver given by a webserver with that information [http://services.packetizer.com/spotprices/ here].</ref> However, the [[prutah]] with regards to the mitzvah of returning a lost object is discussed [[Returning_Lost_Objects#Worth_a_Prutah| here]].<ref>Shulchan C.M. 88:1 says a [[prutah]] is a half of a pearl of barley. Shiurei Torah (Rav Chaim Noeh pg 177) and Shiurin Shel Torah (Steipler p. 65; first edition p. 86) say a [[prutah]] is 1/40 of a gram of silver (which currently is about 2.3 cents). Rav Hadar Margoliyat in Hiddurei Hamiddot (second edition p. 252) concludes that the prutah is no more than 1/45 of a gram. 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> | ||
===Dinar=== | ===Dinar=== | ||
