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The story of Jonah in the whale

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Rabbi Ari Shvat

Adar II 15, 5774
Question
Dear Rabbi, This is in reference to the question about the Jews counting part of the day as one day and one night. If the story of Jonah in the whale was a true story that actually happened, and if the whale swallowed him on a Monday at 12 noon and came out of the whale on the Wednesday of the same week at 12 noon would it mean that he was in the whale for three days and three nights as the Holy Scriptures say.
Answer
Shalom! Not exactly, but you aren't far off. For if he was swallowed a minute before (!) nightfall on Sun. eve, and he came out on a minute after (!) nightfall on Tues. eve (already considered a new day) , it could be considered 3 days and 3 nights, even though barely 48 hours have passed. Rabbi Ari Shvat
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