Brief definition and explanation of times in Jewish law.
Many observances of Jewish law are performed at specific times of day. Calculating these times halakhics (legal) known as zmaním It depends on several astronomical phenomena of the day for the specific location. Sunrise, sunset, the time between them, the angular position of the sun before dawn, and others are factors that determine the "hours" of the day.
(The concept of time in Judaism has a special meaning. When we say that a certain Mitzvah It can be fulfilled until the third hour of the day, not meaning until three in the morning, or three clock hours after sunrise. Rather, an hour in Jewish law means 1/12 of the day. So, if the sun rises at 5 a.m. and sets at 7:30 p.m., a proportional hour (shaá zmanit It will be 72.5 minutes, and all calculations will use that number).
Below you will find the times of day, their meaning, and some of the Mitzvot related.
Alot HaShajar
The moment when some sunlight begins to be visible on the horizon. Communal fasts (except Yom Kippur y Tisha B'Av) begin at this time. According to Torah law, dawn marks the beginning of the day and all the precepts that must be observed during the day (such as listening to the Shofar or recite the Shema) can be fulfilled. For various reasons, our sages instituted that these precepts be observed from [date missing]. Netz HaJamá and, in some cases, starting from MisheIakir.
MisheIakir
It's the time of day when there's enough light to be able to recognize someone you know from about two meters away. This is the first time of day when you can say... Shema, to put on Tefillin y Tallit and recite the blessing of the Tzitzit.
Netz HaJamá
This is the moment when the upper edge of the sun's disk can be seen at sea level. This is, ideally, the first moment to recite the Amide.
End of Shema
Three proportional hours starting from the beginning of the day. It is the last moment of the day to fulfill the Mitzvah of reciting the Shema. Secondly (if this time has passed) one must recite the Shema with the corresponding blessings until midday.
End of Tefila
Four hours, proportional to the start of the day. It is the last moment of the day to recite the prayer of Shacharit (morning). In the second instance (if this time has passed) it can be recited until midday.
Chatzot (midday)
It is the midpoint between sunrise and sunset. It is the last moment to recite the Shema and the Amide.
Minja Guedola
Half an hour later Chatzot. This is the first time to recite the evening prayer.
Minja Ketaná
Two and a half hours before the end of the day. This moment is important. halakhic regarding starting a meal the night before Shabbat o Yom Tov. Some say it's the best time to recite the evening prayer.
Plag haMinjá
An hour and a quarter before the end of the day. This is the first time the candles can be lit. Shabbat y Yom Tov. When necessary, the night prayer may be recited.Maariv) as early as this moment (although it must be recited, when it is already night, the ShemaFurthermore, if one wished to begin Shabbat At this moment, you can do it.
Lighting candles
Eighteen minutes before sunset (Shkia). It is the moment of lighting candles on the eve of Shabbat y Yom Tov.
Shkiat HaJamá
Sunset. The moment when the sun's disk disappears below the horizon at sea level. All the Mitzvot associated with the day must conclude at this time. If one has not yet recited the prayer of Mincha, You can do it even after Shkiá.
Bei HaShmashot
The time between sunset and starlight is considered, for some matters halakhics, a doubtful time (whether it belongs to the day or the night).
Tzet HaCojavím
The moment when three intermediate-sized stars can be seen in the sky. This moment marks the beginning of the night for all. Mitzvot, including the recitation of Shema, the account of Omer and others.