Many observances in Jewish law are performed at specific times during the day. The calculation of these halachic times, known as zmanim
(Hebrew for "times"), depends on the various astronomical phenomena of the day for the specific locale. Sunrise, sunset, the amount of time between them, and the sun's angular position before rising are all factors that determine the halachic times and "hours" of the day.
[The hour has special meaning in Jewish law. When we say that a certain mitzvah may be performed three hours into the day, this doesn’t mean at three in the morning, or three clock-hours after sunrise. Rather, an hour in halacha means 1/12th of daylight hours. Thus, if the sun rises at 5 am and sets at 7:30 pm, one sha'ah zmanit
, or relative hour, according to many Halachic authorities will be 72.5 minutes, and all calculations will use that number.]
Below you will find the times, their meaning and some of their associated mitzvot:
Alot Hashachar:
Dawn. Fasts begin at this time (except Tisha b’Av and Yom Kippur). According to the Magen Avraham, the calculation of shaot zmaniot (relative hours) begins now.
Earliest time for Tallit and Tefillin:
The halachic description of this time is "when one can recognize a familiar acquaintance" (misheyakir) from a distance of approximately six feet. As this is a subjective experience, the time given is approximated to an 11 degree depression of the sun. This is also the earliest time one can say the Morning Shema
.
Neitz Hachamah:
Sunrise. The calculation of shaot zmaniot (relative hours) begins now according to the GRA. Those who wish to pray vatikin, start the recitation of the Amidah
at this time.
Latest Shema:
At the end of three shaot zmaniot (relative hours) into the day. Latest time of the day to fulfil the biblical requirement to recite the Morning
Shema. B'dieved (if one missed this time), one should still recite Shema
with its blessings until the end of four shaot zmaniot into the day, or
even until chatzot
.
Latest Tefillah:
At the end of four shaot zmaniot (relative hours) into the day, ideally the latest time for shacharit. However, if this time was missed,
Shmone Esrei should be recited until chatzot.
Chatzot:
Midday; the halfway point between sunrise and sunset.
Mincha Gedolah:
Half a shaah zmanit (or a regular half hour according to some opinions) after chatzot. This is the earliest time one may recite mincha
.
Mincha Ketanah:
Nine and a half shaot zmaniot (relative hours) after sunrise. According to certain halachic authorities, it is preferable to wait until this time before praying mincha
.
Plag Hamincha:
One and a quarter shaot zmaniot (relative hours) before sunset/shkiah,
(or before nightfall/ tzeit hakochavim
, according to some opinions). This is also the earliest one may bring in Shabbat on Friday afternoon. Likewise, this would be the earliest time for kindling of the Chanukah lights (for the following night). Due to the late sunset in the Western and Eastern Cape during the Summer months, awareness of this earliest time to light Shabbat candles is most significant.
Candle Lighting time:
The accepted custom in South Africa, is to light Shabbat and Yom Tov candles 18 minutes before shkiah
(sunset). During Summer, it is customary for most communities to bring in Shabbat earlier. We therefore don’t list candle lighting times later than this time (e.g. latest 6:15pm in Johannesburg), even though it is more than 18 minutes before sunset.
When one is in a place where there is no community (e.g. Kruger Park, Sun City etc), one should make sure to light candles no later than 18 minutes before sunset.
Shkiah:
Sunset. The latest time for mincha
, and all mitzvot associated with daytime hours.
The Jewish 24 hour day begins at nightfall. However, the technical definition of nightfall is unclear. It can be as early as Shkiah, or as late as Tzeit
Hakochavim. Therefore, the time following shkiah and before tzeit
hakochavim is called bein hashmashot
(twilight). Many laws can be affected by this period as it can be categorized as either the previous or the next day.
Tzeit Hakochavim:
Nightfall. The time when three small stars can be seen in the sky. Earliest time for reciting the evening Shema and Counting the Omer
. Also the earliest time a woman may go to the mikvah. Opinions differ as to when exactly this is and how to calculate it.
Fast End:
Out of consideration for people's comfort, and considering that the fast days are rabbinic decree, not Torah law, we rely on a more lenient opinion of how to calculate tzeit hakochavim
concerning the end of day fasts (aside for Yom Kippur). Fasts that begin at dawn end 18 minutes after shkiah and Tisha b’Av ends 24 minutes after shkiah.
Shabbat and Yom Tov End time:
For the purposes of calculating Shabbat and Yom Tov end times, tzeit hakochavim
is calculated when the suns descent is 7.083 degrees below the horizon. Shabbat and festivals end, and "weekday" work may resume, at this time, plus three (regular) minutes.
(Note: Tzeit Hakochavim as printed each Sunday in the Pick n Pay/UOS calendar, is calculated when the suns descent is 7.083 degrees below the horizon).
Sha'ah Zmanit:
Relative hour, i.e. an hour according to halacha. Total daylight hours divided by 12.