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Answer: Indeed, one should daven Mincha by shki’ah. Although the Rama (Orach Chayim 233:1) says that those who daven Mincha after plag hamincha (now widely practiced) have until [close to?] tzeit hakochavim, the Mishna Berura (233:14) argues that one must daven by shki’ah. However, at least for several minutes after sunset, it is possible that b’di’eved one may still daven Mincha (ibid.).
You seem aware of the above and do not want to rely on the opinions (many do for at least several minutes) that when one must daven Mincha after shki’ah, he may assume it works. Your idea of dealing with the doubt contains positive points. Let us analyze it and determine how you should have proceeded.
Classical sources discuss tefillat nedava in two cases – #1. One who is unsure if he already davened may do Shemoneh Esrei (=SE) as a nedava; #2. One who wants to daven a second time and adds new elements to SE (Shulchan Aruch, OC 107:1, based on Berachot 21a). Your idea relates to #1, with the doubt being not whether the tefilla is necessary but whether it works as desired (for Mincha). There is no clear precedent for a tefillat nedava at a time that is not viable for tefilla, but your assumption (the Be’ur Halacha to 233:1 concurs), is that if it is too late for Mincha, it must be possible to daven Ma’ariv. Your nedava faces another challenge. If your tefilla did not work for Mincha, it is nedava of Ma’ariv … before you do the obligated Ma’ariv. This might be possible (see Ohalei Shimon, Tefilla 20), but it is difficult to determine if all agree with this possibility.
We now follow your system to Ma’ariv. If your tefilla did not count for Mincha, you needed SE at Ma’ariv twice, the second as tashlumin (makeup) of Mincha (Shulchan Aruch, OC 108:2), for a total of three SEs that evening. On the other hand, you could not be sure the third one is necessary, because if the first counted for Mincha, no tashlumin was necessary. Therefore, the third tefilla would also need to be to be done as a tefillat nedava (a variation of scenario #1 above).
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
639 - Ask the Rabbi: Depriving a Tree of Water
640 - Ask the Rabbi: Mincha after Sunset
641 - Ask the Rabbi: Kohen Who Has Trouble Standing
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The Be’ur Halacha’s system has weak points if your first tefilla did not fulfill Mincha. SE of tashlumin should be directly after the SE of the present tefilla (Mishna Berura 108:15). In this case, if the SE after shki’ah ended up being for Ma’ariv, then the tashlumin, done with the Ma’ariv of everyone else, is likely to be several minutes and perhaps much more after the first SE. However, when need be, there can be a break, as long as it is within the timeframe of Ma’ariv (ibid.). Also, Kri’at Shema and its berachot will turn out to be (perhaps, significantly) after the main SE of Ma’ariv (the first tefilla). Once again, while not ideal (Shulchan Aruch, OC 236:2), it is permitted when there is need (ibid. 3).
The Be’ur Halacha avoids two weaknesses in your system that exist even if, as is likely, your first tefilla worked for Mincha. 1) You need three SEs instead of two; 2) We try to avoid tefillat nedava, which should ideally be done only if one concentrates throughout SE (Shulchan Aruch, OC 107:4).
While we can further debate the merits of each system, we expect that next time you will follow the Be’ur Halacha.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
