YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions
Answer: The idea of waiting until tzeit to start Shavuot is not found in Chazal but arises first in early Acharonim, beginning with the Masat Binyamin (Chiddushei Dinim, Orach Chayim 4). The matter is related to the idea that since Shavuot follows a 49-day period, it should not start before its time. One can ask whether the problem is that Shavuot is "not ready," or whether Shavuot can start early but it is improper to "shortchange" the omer period.
The Netziv (Meishiv Davar I:18) sees in "you shall call, on the midst of this day, a holy convocation" regarding Shavuot (Vayikra 23:21) a special rule that it cannot start early. This puts the stress on Shavuot. However, the earlier sources (Masat Binyamin ibid., Shelah, beginning of Massechet Shvuot) focus on "they shall be seven complete (temimot)weeks" (Vayikra 23:15), positing that starting Shavuot early impinges on the completeness of the omer period. (This is likely related to the concept of counting promptly on the first night because of temimot – see Mishna Berura 489:2). L’horot Natan (VII:31) prefers the earlier sources and claims that, as a result, one who made Kiddush early fulfilled his mitzva and need not repeat it.
From what Shavuot element(s) must one refrain? The Masat Binyamin, Shelah, and Magen Avraham (intro. to Orach Chayim 494) refer only to Kiddush, and the Shelah says explicitly that Ma’ariv (and Kiddush in shul) can be done earlier. The Taz (intro. to OC 494) says that Ma’ariv should also be delayed. The Pri Megadim (ad loc.) stresses the Taz’s cogency based on the fact that regarding several halachot, Ma’ariv ushers in a new day. The Mishna Berura (494:1) posits that Ma’ariv should wait until tzeit, and this is the widespread minhag. (Hitorerut Teshuva II,31 likes the delay of Ma’ariv for a side reason. Because people stay up all night and do not recite Kriat Shema Al Hamita, it is important for Kriat Shema to be after tzeit (see Rashi, Berachot 2a).)
What about candle lighting? Since it can be done on Yom Tov and usually ushers in Shabbat (see Shulchan Aruch and Rama, OC 263:10), it is logical to compare it to Kiddush and Ma’ariv. However, while there is an opinion to wait for candle lighting, the minhag is to light at the regular Yom Tov time (see Halichot Shlomo, Moadim 12:2). One explanation is that it is not an absolute acceptance of Shabbat. One could claim that women, who are the ones who accept Shabbat with lighting, may ruin temimot because they are exempt from counting. However, L’horot Natan (ibid.) argues powerfully that this application of temimot is not a function of the mitzva to count, but of respecting the time period’s integrity, which applies also to women.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
245 - Is it permitted to use a fat separator on Shabbat?
246 - Davening Early on Shavuot
247 - Berachot on Snacks and Drinks Throughout a House
Load More
Because many classical poskim allow early Shavuot Ma’ariv, it is legitimate for a shul/minyan with a special need to do so, despite the prevalent minhag. If feasible, it should be stressed that only those with a real need attend (it is unclear if accommodating children’s sleep patterns qualifies). It is proper to communicate that all who can should not make Kiddush before (the earliest opinion of) tzeit. The level of compliance need not affect plans for Ma’ariv unless it is known there is widespread "abuse."
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
