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An Overview of a Shiur by Rav Yosef Greenwald for Parashat Tazria/HaHodesh
(החודש הזה לכם ראש חדשים (שמות יב:א
Where is the Date Line located according to halacha? Three basic approaches are offered.
- Hazon Ish:
- 6 hours (90 degrees) ahead of Yerushalayim, which runs through Siberia, part of China, and part of Australia (though continuous land masses are not divided in his opinion).
- This is based on the Baal HaMa’or (on Masechet Rosh Hashana) concerning Kiddush HaHodesh.
- Accordingly, Shabbat in Japan would be observed on Sunday.
- Rav Tukachinsky:
- 12 hours (180 degrees) ahead of Yerushalayim, which runs through part of Alaska and the Pacific Ocean to the left of Hawaii.
- This is based on the idea that Yerushalayim is the center of the world
- Accordingly, Shabbat in Hawaii would be observed on Friday.
- Rav Ovadia Yosef/Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank:
- We follow the regular International Date Line.
- Since the Gemara doesn’t address directly, we should follow the local custom.
- Practical Halacha Today:
- Most Poskim do not take a definitive stand on the issue.
- Therefore, many Poskim suggest for Shabbat to keep Shabbat on the local Saturday and be Mahmir for a Melacha D’Oraita on the other day.