Package com.kosherjava.zmanim

Class ZmanimCalendar

java.lang.Object

com.kosherjava.zmanim.AstronomicalCalendar

com.kosherjava.zmanim.ZmanimCalendar

All Implemented Interfaces:

Cloneable

Direct Known Subclasses:

ComplexZmanimCalendar

public class ZmanimCalendar
extends AstronomicalCalendar

The ZmanimCalendar is a specialized calendar that can calculate sunrise, sunset and Jewish zmanim (religious times) for prayers and other Jewish religious duties. This class contains the main functionality of the Zmanim library. For a much more extensive list of zmanim, use the ComplexZmanimCalendar that extends this class. See documentation for the ComplexZmanimCalendar and AstronomicalCalendar for simple examples on using the API. Elevation based zmanim (even sunrise and sunset) should not be used lekula without the guidance of a posek. According to Rabbi Dovid Yehudah Bursztyn in his Zmanim Kehilchasam, 7th edition chapter 2, section 7 (pages 181-182) and section 9 (pages 186-187), no zmanim besides sunrise and sunset should use elevation. However, Rabbi Yechiel Avrahom Zilber in the Birur Halacha Vol. 6 Ch. 58 Pages 34 and 42 is of the opinion that elevation should be accounted for in zmanim calculations. Related to this, Rabbi Yaakov Karp in Shimush Zekeinim, Ch. 1, page 17 states that obstructing horizons should be factored into zmanim calculations. The setting defaults to false (elevation will not be used for zmanim calculations besides sunrise and sunset), unless the setting is changed to true in setUseElevation(boolean). This will impact sunrise and sunset-based zmanim such as AstronomicalCalendar.getSunrise(), AstronomicalCalendar.getSunset(), getSofZmanShmaGRA(), alos-based zmanim such as getSofZmanShmaMGA() that are based on a fixed offset of sunrise or sunset and zmanim based on a percentage of the day such as ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSofZmanShmaMGA90MinutesZmanis() that are based on sunrise and sunset. Even when set to true it will not impact zmanim that are a degree-based offset of sunrise and sunset, such as ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSofZmanShmaMGA16Point1Degrees() or ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSofZmanShmaBaalHatanya() since these zmanim are not linked to sunrise or sunset times (the calculations are based on the astronomical definition of sunrise and sunset calculated in a vacuum with the solar radius above the horizon), and are therefore not impacted by the use of elevation. For additional information on the halachic impact of elevation on zmanim see:

• Zmanei Halacha Lema'aseh 4th edition by Rabbi Yedidya Manat. See section 1, pages 11-12 for a very concise write-up, with details in section 2, pages 37 - 63 and 133 - 151.
• Zmanim Kehilchasam 7th edition, by Rabbi Dovid Yehuda Burstein, vol 1, chapter 2, pages 95 - 188.
• Hazmanim Bahalacha by Rabbi Chaim Banish , perek 7, pages 53 - 63.

Note: It is important to read the technical notes on top of the AstronomicalCalculator documentation before using this code.

I would like to thank Rabbi Yaakov Shakow, the author of Luach Ikvei Hayom who spent a considerable amount of time reviewing, correcting and making suggestions on the documentation in this library.

Disclaimer:

I did my best to get accurate results, but please double-check before relying on these zmanim for halacha lema'aseh.

Author:

© Eliyahu Hershfeld 2004 - 2022

Field Summary

Fields

Modifier and Type	Field	Description
private double	candleLightingOffset	The default Shabbos candle lighting offset is 18 minutes.
private boolean	useElevation	Is elevation factored in for some zmanim (see isUseElevation() for additional information).
protected static final double	ZENITH_16_POINT_1	The zenith of 16.1° below geometric zenith (90°).
protected static final double	ZENITH_8_POINT_5	The zenith of 8.5° below geometric zenith (90°).

Fields inherited from class com.kosherjava.zmanim.AstronomicalCalendar

ASTRONOMICAL_ZENITH, CIVIL_ZENITH, GEOMETRIC_ZENITH, HOUR_MILLIS, MINUTE_MILLIS, NAUTICAL_ZENITH

Constructor Summary

Constructors

Constructor	Description
ZmanimCalendar()	Default constructor will set a default GeoLocation(), a default AstronomicalCalculator and default the calendar to the current date.
ZmanimCalendar(GeoLocation location)	A constructor that takes a GeoLocation as a parameter.

Method Summary

Modifier and Type	Method	Description
Date	getAlos72()	Method to return alos (dawn) calculated using 72 minutes before sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() setting).
Date	getAlosHashachar()	Returns alos (dawn) based on the time when the sun is 16.1° below the eastern geometric horizon before sunrise.
Date	getCandleLighting()	A method to return candle lighting time, calculated as getCandleLightingOffset() minutes before sea level sunset.
double	getCandleLightingOffset()	A method to get the offset in minutes before sea level sunset which is used in calculating candle lighting time.
Date	getChatzos()	This method returns chatzos (midday) following most opinions that chatzos is the midpoint between sea level sunrise and sea level sunset.
protected Date	getElevationAdjustedSunrise()	This method will return sea level sunrise if isUseElevation() is false (the default), or elevation adjusted AstronomicalCalendar.getSunrise() if it is true.
protected Date	getElevationAdjustedSunset()	This method will return sea level sunrise if isUseElevation() is false (the default), or elevation adjusted AstronomicalCalendar.getSunrise() if it is true.
Date	getMinchaGedola()	This method returns the latest mincha gedola,the earliest time one can pray mincha that is 6.5 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() setting), according to the GRA.
Date	getMinchaGedola(Date startOfDay, Date endOfDay)	A generic method for calculating the latest mincha gedola (the earliest time to recite the mincha prayers) that is 6.5 * shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours) after the start of the day, calculated using the start and end of the day passed to this method.
Date	getMinchaKetana()	This method returns mincha ketana,the preferred earliest time to pray mincha in the opinion of the Rambam and others, that is 9.5 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() setting), according to the GRA.
Date	getMinchaKetana(Date startOfDay, Date endOfDay)	A generic method for calculating mincha ketana, (the preferred time to recite the mincha prayers in the opinion of the Rambam and others) that is 9.5 * shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours) after the start of the day, calculated using the start and end of the day passed to this method.
Date	getPlagHamincha()	This method returns plag hamincha, that is 10.75 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() setting), according to the GRA.
Date	getPlagHamincha(Date startOfDay, Date endOfDay)	A generic method for calculating plag hamincha (the earliest time that Shabbos can be started) that is 10.75 hours after the start of the day, (or 1.25 hours before the end of the day) based on the start and end of the day passed to the method.
Date	getSamuchLeMinchaKetana(Date startOfDay, Date endOfDay)	A generic method for calculating samuch lemincha ketana, / near mincha ketana time that is half an hour before getMinchaKetana(Date, Date) or 9 * shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours) after the start of the day, calculated using the start and end of the day passed to this method.
Date	getShaahZmanisBasedZman(Date startOfDay, Date endOfDay, double hours)	A generic utility method for calculating any shaah zmanis (temporal hour) based zman with the day defined as the start and end of day (or night) and the number of shaahos zmaniyos passed to the method.
long	getShaahZmanisGra()	A method that returns a shaah zmanis (temporal hour) according to the opinion of the GRA.
long	getShaahZmanisMGA()	A method that returns a shaah zmanis (temporal hour) according to the opinion of the Magen Avraham (MGA) based on a 72 minutes alos and tzais.
Date	getSofZmanShma(Date startOfDay, Date endOfDay)	A generic method for calculating the latest zman krias shema (time to recite shema in the morning) that is 3 * shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours) after the start of the day, calculated using the start and end of the day passed to this method.
Date	getSofZmanShmaGRA()	This method returns the latest zman krias shema (time to recite shema in the morning) that is 3 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() setting), according to the GRA.
Date	getSofZmanShmaMGA()	This method returns the latest zman krias shema (time to recite shema in the morning) that is 3 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after getAlos72(), according to the Magen Avraham (MGA).
Date	getSofZmanTfila(Date startOfDay, Date endOfDay)	A generic method for calculating the latest zman tfilah (time to recite the morning prayers) that is 4 * shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours) after the start of the day, calculated using the start and end of the day passed to this method.
Date	getSofZmanTfilaGRA()	This method returns the latest zman tfila (time to recite shema in the morning) that is 4 * shaos zmaniyos(solar hours) after sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() setting), according to the GRA.
Date	getSofZmanTfilaMGA()	This method returns the latest zman tfila (time to recite shema in the morning) that is 4 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after getAlos72(), according to the Magen Avraham (MGA).
Date	getTzais()	A method that returns tzais (nightfall) when the sun is 8.5° below the geometric horizon (90°) after sunset, a time that Rabbi Meir Posen in his the Ohr Meir calculated that 3 small stars are visible, which is later than the required 3 medium stars.
Date	getTzais72()	This method returns the tzais (nightfall) based on the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam that tzais hakochavim is calculated as 72 minutes, the time it takes to walk 4 Mil at 18 minutes a Mil.
boolean	isAssurBemlacha(Date currentTime, Date tzais, boolean inIsrael)	This is a utility method to determine if the current Date (date-time) passed in has a melacha (work) prohibition.
boolean	isUseElevation()	Is elevation above sea level calculated for times besides sunrise and sunset.
void	setCandleLightingOffset(double candleLightingOffset)	A method to set the offset in minutes before sea level sunset that is used in calculating candle lighting time.
void	setUseElevation(boolean useElevation)	Sets whether elevation above sea level is factored into zmanim calculations for times besides sunrise and sunset.

Methods inherited from class com.kosherjava.zmanim.AstronomicalCalendar

clone, equals, getAstronomicalCalculator, getBeginAstronomicalTwilight, getBeginCivilTwilight, getBeginNauticalTwilight, getCalendar, getDateFromTime, getEndAstronomicalTwilight, getEndCivilTwilight, getEndNauticalTwilight, getGeoLocation, getSeaLevelSunrise, getSeaLevelSunset, getSunrise, getSunriseOffsetByDegrees, getSunriseSolarDipFromOffset, getSunset, getSunsetOffsetByDegrees, getSunsetSolarDipFromOffset, getSunTransit, getSunTransit, getTemporalHour, getTemporalHour, getTimeOffset, getTimeOffset, getUTCSeaLevelSunrise, getUTCSeaLevelSunset, getUTCSunrise, getUTCSunset, hashCode, setAstronomicalCalculator, setCalendar, setGeoLocation, toJSON, toString

Methods inherited from class java.lang.Object

finalize, getClass, notify, notifyAll, wait, wait, wait

Field Details

useElevation

private boolean useElevation

Is elevation factored in for some zmanim (see isUseElevation() for additional information).

See Also:

• isUseElevation()
• setUseElevation(boolean)

ZENITH_16_POINT_1

protected static final double ZENITH_16_POINT_1

The zenith of 16.1° below geometric zenith (90°). This calculation is used for determining alos (dawn) and tzais (nightfall) in some opinions. It is based on the calculation that the time between dawn and sunrise (and sunset to nightfall) is 72 minutes, the time that is takes to walk 4 mil at 18 minutes a mil (Rambam and others). The sun's position at 72 minutes before sunrise in Jerusalem around the equinox / equilux is 16.1° below geometric zenith.

See Also:

• getAlosHashachar()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getAlos16Point1Degrees()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getTzais16Point1Degrees()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSofZmanShmaMGA16Point1Degrees()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSofZmanTfilaMGA16Point1Degrees()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getMinchaGedola16Point1Degrees()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getMinchaKetana16Point1Degrees()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getPlagHamincha16Point1Degrees()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getPlagAlos16Point1ToTzaisGeonim7Point083Degrees()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSofZmanShmaAlos16Point1ToSunset()
• Constant Field Values

ZENITH_8_POINT_5

protected static final double ZENITH_8_POINT_5

The zenith of 8.5° below geometric zenith (90°). This calculation is used for calculating alos (dawn) and tzais (nightfall) in some opinions. This calculation is based on the position of the sun 36 minutes after sunset in Jerusalem around the equinox / equilux, which is 8.5° below geometric zenith. The Ohr Meir considers this the time that 3 small stars are visible, which is later than the required 3 medium stars.

See Also:

• getTzais()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getTzaisGeonim8Point5Degrees()
• Constant Field Values

candleLightingOffset

private double candleLightingOffset

The default Shabbos candle lighting offset is 18 minutes. This can be changed via the setCandleLightingOffset(double) and retrieved by the getCandleLightingOffset().

Constructor Details

ZmanimCalendar

public ZmanimCalendar()

Default constructor will set a default GeoLocation(), a default AstronomicalCalculator and default the calendar to the current date.

See Also:

• AstronomicalCalendar()

ZmanimCalendar

public ZmanimCalendar(GeoLocation location)

A constructor that takes a GeoLocation as a parameter.

Parameters:

location - the location

Method Details

isUseElevation

public boolean isUseElevation()

Is elevation above sea level calculated for times besides sunrise and sunset. According to Rabbi Dovid Yehuda Bursztyn in his Zmanim Kehilchasam (second edition published in 2007) chapter 2 (pages 186-187) no zmanim besides sunrise and sunset should use elevation. However Rabbi Yechiel Avrahom Zilber in the Birur Halacha Vol. 6 Ch. 58 Pages 34 and 42 is of the opinion that elevation should be accounted for in zmanim calculations. Related to this, Rabbi Yaakov Karp in Shimush Zekeinim, Ch. 1, page 17 states that obstructing horizons should be factored into zmanim calculations.The setting defaults to false (elevation will not be used for zmanim calculations), unless the setting is changed to true in setUseElevation(boolean). This will impact sunrise and sunset based zmanim such as AstronomicalCalendar.getSunrise(), AstronomicalCalendar.getSunset(), getSofZmanShmaGRA(), alos based zmanim such as getSofZmanShmaMGA() that are based on a fixed offset of sunrise or sunset and zmanim based on a percentage of the day such as ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSofZmanShmaMGA90MinutesZmanis() that are based on sunrise and sunset. It will not impact zmanim that are a degree based offset of sunrise and sunset, such as ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSofZmanShmaMGA16Point1Degrees() or ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSofZmanShmaBaalHatanya().

Returns:

if the use of elevation is active

See Also:

• setUseElevation(boolean)

setUseElevation

public void setUseElevation(boolean useElevation)

Sets whether elevation above sea level is factored into zmanim calculations for times besides sunrise and sunset. See isUseElevation() for more details.

Parameters:

useElevation - set to true to use elevation in zmanim calculations

See Also:

• isUseElevation()

getElevationAdjustedSunrise

protected Date getElevationAdjustedSunrise()

This method will return sea level sunrise if isUseElevation() is false (the default), or elevation adjusted AstronomicalCalendar.getSunrise() if it is true. This allows relevant zmanim in this and extending classes (such as the ComplexZmanimCalendar) to automatically adjust to the elevation setting.

Returns:

AstronomicalCalendar.getSeaLevelSunrise() if isUseElevation() is false (the default), or elevation adjusted AstronomicalCalendar.getSunrise() if it is true.

See Also:

• AstronomicalCalendar.getSunrise()

getElevationAdjustedSunset

protected Date getElevationAdjustedSunset()

This method will return sea level sunrise if isUseElevation() is false (the default), or elevation adjusted AstronomicalCalendar.getSunrise() if it is true. This allows relevant zmanim in this and extending classes (such as the ComplexZmanimCalendar) to automatically adjust to the elevation setting.

Returns:

AstronomicalCalendar.getSeaLevelSunset() if isUseElevation() is false (the default), or elevation adjusted AstronomicalCalendar.getSunset() if it is true.

See Also:

• AstronomicalCalendar.getSunset()

getTzais

public Date getTzais()

A method that returns tzais (nightfall) when the sun is 8.5° below the geometric horizon (90°) after sunset, a time that Rabbi Meir Posen in his the Ohr Meir calculated that 3 small stars are visible, which is later than the required 3 medium stars. See the ZENITH_8_POINT_5 constant.

Returns:

The Date of nightfall. If the calculation can't be computed such as northern and southern locations even south of the Arctic Circle and north of the Antarctic Circle where the sun may not reach low enough below the horizon for this calculation, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• ZENITH_8_POINT_5
• ComplexZmanimCalendar#getTzaisGeonim8Point5Degrees() that returns an identical time to this generic tzais

getAlosHashachar

public Date getAlosHashachar()

Returns alos (dawn) based on the time when the sun is 16.1° below the eastern geometric horizon before sunrise. This is based on the calculation that the time between dawn and sunrise (and sunset to nightfall) is 72 minutes, the time that is takes to walk 4 mil at 18 minutes a mil (Rambam and others). The sun's position at 72 minutes before sunrise in Jerusalem on the around the equinox / equilux is 16.1° below AstronomicalCalendar.GEOMETRIC_ZENITH.

Returns:

The Date of dawn. If the calculation can't be computed such as northern and southern locations even south of the Arctic Circle and north of the Antarctic Circle where the sun may not reach low enough below the horizon for this calculation, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• ZENITH_16_POINT_1
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getAlos16Point1Degrees()

getAlos72

public Date getAlos72()

Method to return alos (dawn) calculated using 72 minutes before sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() setting). This time is based on the time to walk the distance of 4 Mil at 18 minutes a Mil. The 72 minute time (but not the concept of fixed minutes) is based on the opinion that the time of the Neshef (twilight between dawn and sunrise) does not vary by the time of year or location but depends on the time it takes to walk the distance of 4 Mil.

Returns:

the Date representing the time. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

getChatzos

public Date getChatzos()

This method returns chatzos (midday) following most opinions that chatzos is the midpoint between sea level sunrise and sea level sunset. A day starting at alos and ending at tzais using the same time or degree offset will also return the same time. The returned value is identical to AstronomicalCalendar.getSunTransit(). In reality due to lengthening or shortening of day, this is not necessarily the exact midpoint of the day, but it is very close.

Returns:

the Date of chatzos. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• AstronomicalCalendar.getSunTransit()

getSofZmanShma

public Date getSofZmanShma(Date startOfDay,
 Date endOfDay)

A generic method for calculating the latest zman krias shema (time to recite shema in the morning) that is 3 * shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours) after the start of the day, calculated using the start and end of the day passed to this method. The time from the start of day to the end of day are divided into 12 shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours), and the latest zman krias shema is calculated as 3 of those shaos zmaniyos after the beginning of the day. As an example, passing sunrise and sunset or sea level sunrise and sea level sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() elevation setting) to this method will return sof zman krias shema according to the opinion of the GRA.

Parameters:

startOfDay - the start of day for calculating zman krias shema. This can be sunrise or any alos passed to this method.

endOfDay - the end of day for calculating zman krias shema. This can be sunset or any tzais passed to this method.

Returns:

the Date of the latest zman shema based on the start and end of day times passed to this method. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

getSofZmanShmaGRA

public Date getSofZmanShmaGRA()

This method returns the latest zman krias shema (time to recite shema in the morning) that is 3 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() setting), according to the GRA. The day is calculated from sea level sunrise to sea level sunset or sunrise to sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() setting).

Returns:

the Date of the latest zman shema according to the GRA. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See the detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• getSofZmanShma(Date, Date)
• getShaahZmanisGra()
• isUseElevation()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSofZmanShmaBaalHatanya()

getSofZmanShmaMGA

public Date getSofZmanShmaMGA()

This method returns the latest zman krias shema (time to recite shema in the morning) that is 3 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after getAlos72(), according to the Magen Avraham (MGA). The day is calculated from 72 minutes before sea level sunrise to 72 minutes after sea level sunset or from 72 minutes before sunrise to sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() setting).

Returns:

the Date of the latest zman shema. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• getSofZmanShma(Date, Date)
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getShaahZmanis72Minutes()
• getAlos72()
• that

getTzais72

public Date getTzais72()

This method returns the tzais (nightfall) based on the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam that tzais hakochavim is calculated as 72 minutes, the time it takes to walk 4 Mil at 18 minutes a Mil. According to the Machtzis Hashekel in Orach Chaim 235:3, the Pri Megadim in Orach Chaim 261:2 (see the Biur Halacha) and others (see Hazmanim Bahalacha 17:3 and 17:5) the 72 minutes are standard clock minutes any time of the year in any location. Depending on the isUseElevation() setting) a 72 minute offset from either sunset or sea level sunset is used.

Returns:

the Date representing 72 minutes after sunset. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getTzais16Point1Degrees()

getCandleLighting

public Date getCandleLighting()

A method to return candle lighting time, calculated as getCandleLightingOffset() minutes before sea level sunset. This will return the time for any day of the week, since it can be used to calculate candle lighting time for Yom Tov (mid-week holidays) as well. Elevation adjustments are intentionally not performed by this method, but you can calculate it by passing the elevation adjusted sunset to AstronomicalCalendar.getTimeOffset(Date, long).

Returns:

candle lighting time. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• AstronomicalCalendar.getSeaLevelSunset()
• getCandleLightingOffset()
• setCandleLightingOffset(double)

getSofZmanTfila

public Date getSofZmanTfila(Date startOfDay,
 Date endOfDay)

A generic method for calculating the latest zman tfilah (time to recite the morning prayers) that is 4 * shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours) after the start of the day, calculated using the start and end of the day passed to this method. The time from the start of day to the end of day are divided into 12 shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours), and sof zman tfila is calculated as 4 of those shaos zmaniyos after the beginning of the day. As an example, passing sunrise and sunset or sea level sunrise and sea level sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() elevation setting) to this method will return zman tfilah according to the opinion of the GRA.

Parameters:

startOfDay - the start of day for calculating zman tfilah. This can be sunrise or any alos passed to this method.

endOfDay - the end of day for calculating zman tfilah. This can be sunset or any tzais passed to this method.

Returns:

the Date of the latest zman tfilah based on the start and end of day times passed to this method. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

getSofZmanTfilaGRA

public Date getSofZmanTfilaGRA()

This method returns the latest zman tfila (time to recite shema in the morning) that is 4 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() setting), according to the GRA. The day is calculated from sea level sunrise to sea level sunset or sunrise to sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() setting).

Returns:

the Date of the latest zman tfilah. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• getSofZmanTfila(Date, Date)
• getShaahZmanisGra()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSofZmanTfilaBaalHatanya()

getSofZmanTfilaMGA

public Date getSofZmanTfilaMGA()

This method returns the latest zman tfila (time to recite shema in the morning) that is 4 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after getAlos72(), according to the Magen Avraham (MGA). The day is calculated from 72 minutes before sea level sunrise to 72 minutes after sea level sunset or from 72 minutes before sunrise to sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() setting).

Returns:

the Date of the latest zman tfila. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set), a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• getSofZmanTfila(Date, Date)
• getShaahZmanisMGA()
• getAlos72()

getMinchaGedola

public Date getMinchaGedola(Date startOfDay,
 Date endOfDay)

A generic method for calculating the latest mincha gedola (the earliest time to recite the mincha prayers) that is 6.5 * shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours) after the start of the day, calculated using the start and end of the day passed to this method. The time from the start of day to the end of day are divided into 12 shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours), and mincha gedola is calculated as 6.5 of those shaos zmaniyos after the beginning of the day. As an example, passing sunrise and sunset or sea level sunrise and sea level sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() elevation setting) to this method will return mincha gedola according to the opinion of the GRA.

Parameters:

startOfDay - the start of day for calculating Mincha gedola. This can be sunrise or any alos passed to this method.

endOfDay - the end of day for calculating Mincha gedola. This can be sunset or any tzais passed to this method.

Returns:

the Date of the time of Mincha gedola based on the start and end of day times passed to this method. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

getMinchaGedola

public Date getMinchaGedola()

This method returns the latest mincha gedola,the earliest time one can pray mincha that is 6.5 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() setting), according to the GRA. Mincha gedola is the earliest time one can pray mincha. The Ramba"m is of the opinion that it is better to delay mincha until mincha ketana while the Ra"sh, Tur, GRA and others are of the opinion that mincha can be prayed lechatchila starting at mincha gedola. The day is calculated from sea level sunrise to sea level sunset or sunrise to sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() setting).

Returns:

the Date of the time of mincha gedola. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• getMinchaGedola(Date, Date)
• getShaahZmanisGra()
• getMinchaKetana()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getMinchaGedolaBaalHatanya()

getSamuchLeMinchaKetana

public Date getSamuchLeMinchaKetana(Date startOfDay,
 Date endOfDay)

A generic method for calculating samuch lemincha ketana, / near mincha ketana time that is half an hour before getMinchaKetana(Date, Date) or 9 * shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours) after the start of the day, calculated using the start and end of the day passed to this method. The time from the start of day to the end of day are divided into 12 shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours), and samuch lemincha ketana is calculated as 9 of those shaos zmaniyos after the beginning of the day. For example, passing sunrise and sunset or sea level sunrise and sea level sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() elevation setting) to this method will return samuch lemincha ketana according to the opinion of the GRA.

Parameters:

startOfDay - the start of day for calculating samuch lemincha ketana. This can be sunrise or any alos passed to to this method.

endOfDay - the end of day for calculating samuch lemincha ketana. This can be sunset or any tzais passed to this method.

Returns:

the Date of the time of Mincha ketana based on the start and end of day times passed to this method. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSamuchLeMinchaKetanaGRA()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSamuchLeMinchaKetana16Point1Degrees()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getSamuchLeMinchaKetana72Minutes()

getMinchaKetana

public Date getMinchaKetana(Date startOfDay,
 Date endOfDay)

A generic method for calculating mincha ketana, (the preferred time to recite the mincha prayers in the opinion of the Rambam and others) that is 9.5 * shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours) after the start of the day, calculated using the start and end of the day passed to this method. The time from the start of day to the end of day are divided into 12 shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours), and mincha ketana is calculated as 9.5 of those shaos zmaniyos after the beginning of the day. As an example, passing sunrise and sunset or sea level sunrise and sea level sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() elevation setting) to this method will return mincha ketana according to the opinion of the GRA.

Parameters:

startOfDay - the start of day for calculating Mincha ketana. This can be sunrise or any alos passed to this method.

endOfDay - the end of day for calculating Mincha ketana. This can be sunset or any tzais passed to this method.

Returns:

the Date of the time of Mincha ketana based on the start and end of day times passed to this method. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

getMinchaKetana

public Date getMinchaKetana()

This method returns mincha ketana,the preferred earliest time to pray mincha in the opinion of the Rambam and others, that is 9.5 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() setting), according to the GRA. For more information on this see the documentation on mincha gedola. The day is calculated from sea level sunrise to sea level sunset or sunrise to sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() setting.

Returns:

the Date of the time of mincha ketana. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• getMinchaKetana(Date, Date)
• getShaahZmanisGra()
• getMinchaGedola()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getMinchaKetanaBaalHatanya()

getPlagHamincha

public Date getPlagHamincha(Date startOfDay,
 Date endOfDay)

A generic method for calculating plag hamincha (the earliest time that Shabbos can be started) that is 10.75 hours after the start of the day, (or 1.25 hours before the end of the day) based on the start and end of the day passed to the method. The time from the start of day to the end of day are divided into 12 shaos zmaniyos (temporal hours), and plag hamincha is calculated as 10.75 of those shaos zmaniyos after the beginning of the day. As an example, passing sunrise and sunset or sea level sunrise and sea level sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() elevation setting) to this method will return plag mincha according to the opinion of the GRA.

Parameters:

startOfDay - the start of day for calculating plag. This can be sunrise or any alos passed to this method.

endOfDay - the end of day for calculating plag. This can be sunset or any tzais passed to this method.

Returns:

the Date of the time of plag hamincha based on the start and end of day times passed to this method. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

getPlagHamincha

public Date getPlagHamincha()

This method returns plag hamincha, that is 10.75 * shaos zmaniyos (solar hours) after sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() setting), according to the GRA. Plag hamincha is the earliest time that Shabbos can be started. The day is calculated from sea level sunrise to sea level sunset or sunrise to sunset (depending on the isUseElevation()

Returns:

the Date of the time of plag hamincha. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• getPlagHamincha(Date, Date)
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getPlagHaminchaBaalHatanya()

getShaahZmanisGra

public long getShaahZmanisGra()

A method that returns a shaah zmanis (temporal hour) according to the opinion of the GRA. This calculation divides the day based on the opinion of the GRA that the day runs from from sea level sunrise to sea level sunset or sunrise to sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() setting). The day is split into 12 equal parts with each one being a shaah zmanis. This method is similar to AstronomicalCalendar.getTemporalHour(), but can account for elevation.

Returns:

the long millisecond length of a shaah zmanis calculated from sunrise to sunset. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, Long.MIN_VALUE will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

See Also:

• AstronomicalCalendar.getTemporalHour(Date, Date)
• AstronomicalCalendar.getSeaLevelSunrise()
• AstronomicalCalendar.getSeaLevelSunset()
• ComplexZmanimCalendar.getShaahZmanisBaalHatanya()

getShaahZmanisMGA

public long getShaahZmanisMGA()

A method that returns a shaah zmanis (temporal hour) according to the opinion of the Magen Avraham (MGA) based on a 72 minutes alos and tzais. This calculation divides the day that runs from dawn to dusk (for sof zman krias shema and tfila). Dawn for this calculation is 72 minutes before sunrise or sea level sunrise (depending on the isUseElevation() elevation setting) and dusk is 72 minutes after sunset or sea level sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() elevation setting). This day is split into 12 equal parts with each part being a shaah zmanis. Alternate methods of calculating a shaah zmanis according to the Magen Avraham (MGA) are available in the subclass ComplexZmanimCalendar.

Returns:

the long millisecond length of a shaah zmanis. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, Long.MIN_VALUE will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.

getCandleLightingOffset

public double getCandleLightingOffset()

A method to get the offset in minutes before sea level sunset which is used in calculating candle lighting time. The default time used is 18 minutes before sea level sunset. Some calendars use 15 minutes, while the custom in Jerusalem is to use a 40 minute offset. Please check the local custom for candle lighting time.

Returns:

Returns the currently set candle lighting offset in minutes.

See Also:

• getCandleLighting()
• setCandleLightingOffset(double)

setCandleLightingOffset

public void setCandleLightingOffset(double candleLightingOffset)

A method to set the offset in minutes before sea level sunset that is used in calculating candle lighting time. The default time used is 18 minutes before sunset. Some calendars use 15 minutes, while the custom in Jerusalem is to use a 40 minute offset.

Parameters:

candleLightingOffset - The candle lighting offset to set in minutes.

See Also:

• getCandleLighting()
• getCandleLightingOffset()

isAssurBemlacha

public boolean isAssurBemlacha(Date currentTime,
 Date tzais,
 boolean inIsrael)

This is a utility method to determine if the current Date (date-time) passed in has a melacha (work) prohibition. Since there are many opinions on the time of tzais, the tzais for the current day has to be passed to this class. Sunset is the classes current day's elevation adjusted sunset that observes the isUseElevation() settings. The JewishCalendar.getInIsrael() will be set by the inIsrael parameter.

Parameters:

currentTime - the current time

tzais - the time of tzais

inIsrael - whether to use Israel holiday scheme or not

Returns:

true if melacha is prohibited or false if it is not.

See Also:

• JewishCalendar.isAssurBemelacha()
• JewishCalendar.hasCandleLighting()
• JewishCalendar.setInIsrael(boolean)

getShaahZmanisBasedZman

public Date getShaahZmanisBasedZman(Date startOfDay,
 Date endOfDay,
 double hours)

A generic utility method for calculating any shaah zmanis (temporal hour) based zman with the day defined as the start and end of day (or night) and the number of shaahos zmaniyos passed to the method. This simplifies the code in other methods such as getPlagHamincha(Date, Date) and cuts down on code replication. As an example, passing sunrise and sunset or sea level sunrise and sea level sunset (depending on the isUseElevation() elevation setting) and 10.75 hours to this method will return plag mincha according to the opinion of the GRA.

Parameters:

startOfDay - the start of day for calculating the zman. This can be sunrise or any alos passed to this method.

endOfDay - the end of day for calculating the zman. This can be sunset or any tzais passed to this method.

hours - the number of shaahos zmaniyos (temporal hours) to offset from the start of day

Returns:

the Date of the time of zman with the shaahos zmaniyos (temporal hours) in the day offset from the start of day passed to this method. If the calculation can't be computed such as in the Arctic Circle where there is at least one day a year where the sun does not rise, and one where it does not set, a null will be returned. See detailed explanation on top of the AstronomicalCalendar documentation.