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From: R. Kovacs
Subject: Indicator categories
Date: 2 Kislev 5783
Nu, R. Nachmani's question reminds me.
In Munkács, my zeyde said, there were two ways to know Shabbos had begun. You could look at the sky, but in winter the sky was often clouded, and in summer it was light very late. Or you could listen for Reb Yossel the shamash, who would walk through the streets calling.
One winter evening, the sky was clear and three stars were plainly visible. But Reb Yossel had not yet called. A young man (newly married, very eager to be correct) asked the rabbi: "Should I begin Shabbos? I see the stars."
The rabbi said: "Do you trust your eyes or your ears?"
The young man said: "My eyes."
The rabbi said: "Then why are you asking me?"
The question was never which indicator was correct. The question was which indicator you were prepared to act on.
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