Not sure exactly when the seventh hour is in your location? A new website will tell you the exact time in your location. Just put in your zip code and it will tell you the hour in your area.
By Anash.org reporter
The Alter Rebbe writes in Shulchan Aruch siman 271:3 that there are those who are careful not to recite Kiddush in the first hour of the night (the seventh hour). The reason is that in the first hour of the night, the mazal of Mars [is empowered], and the angel Samael has sovereignty over it.
Exactly how the seventh hour is calculated is a matter of much debate. Some authorities are of the opinion that 6 pm to 7 pm is to be taken literally. Other say that it is the sixth hour after chatzos based on shaos zmaniyos.
Another opinion is that it’s the seventh hour after the average time for midday in that location (chatzos haemtza’i). For example, if midday fluctuates between 11:40 and 12:20 depending on seasonal variations, the average time would be 12:00.
For those who follow this opinion, a new website helps calculate the seventh hour based on your location. Just put in your zip code and it will tell you when the sevent hour is in your area. The website is conveniently called 7thhour.com
It should be noted, that according to a number of senior Chassidim, this custom was not practiced by the Chassidim in Russia.
Thank you for this information.
Just a quick question. You wrote that this custom was not practiced in Russia. Do you mean the actual hour or the exact time?
It should be noted, that according to a number of senior Chassidim, this custom was not practiced by the Chassidim in Russia.
Perhaps it should also be noted that the Rebbe did practice this custom.
There aren’t any opinions that say it’s based on שעות זמניות
There are also no opinions that it is 6-7 according to the local clock.
This timing measure has no halachic meaning.
Worth linking to the same discussion on this site 2 years ago.
https://anash.org/website-calculates-no-kiddush-hour/