Tuesday, January 31, 2012

The Status Of Bein Hashmashos

The Shev Shmatsa [ש"א פ"ג] quotes the Ran in his teshuvos [סימן נא] who brings the following case: A man made a neder that he will not eat meat on Pesach. Now he wants to be released from this vow. We know that one can only be released from a vow after it takes effect. The question is - Can he go to the חכם for hataras nedarim at בין השמשות. Is it considered night yet or not? בין השמשות is considered ספק לילה - is that enough??

I will tell you a secret though and promise not to tell. The Ran doesn't say what the shmatsa said he said. Look there and see. This a wonder of wonders which will disturb my sleep enough for the next few weeks that you can feel free to call or email at 3:00am and I will answer.

If any scholar reading this can help me you will be amply rewarded. Here is a detailed discussion of the sugya.

Another question - Why is Bein Hashmashos called that? "Between the suns". An odd name for the period between sunset and dark.