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Jewish Prayer Times
Zmanim Calculator

Calculate accurate halachic prayer times for any location worldwide. Our zmanim calculator supports both the Vilna Gaon (GRA) and Magen Avraham (MA) methods, displaying 15 daily times including Shacharit, Mincha, and Maariv deadlines, sunrise, sunset, and more.

Last updated: March 2026

How It Works

Get accurate prayer times in seconds using astronomical calculations trusted by Jewish communities worldwide.

STEP 01

Enter Your Location

Search for any city worldwide or use GPS to detect your current position automatically.

STEP 02

Astronomical Calculation

Our engine uses NOAA solar algorithms to compute the sun's exact position for your coordinates and date.

STEP 03

View All 15 Zmanim

See every halachic time from Alot HaShachar to Tzeit HaKochavim, in both GRA and Magen Avraham methods.

What Are Jewish Prayer Times?

Jewish prayer times, known as zmanim (זמנים) in Hebrew, are specific moments during the day that carry halachic (Jewish legal) significance. Unlike fixed clock times, zmanim shift daily because they are calculated from the sun's position relative to the horizon at a given geographic location. This means prayer times in Jerusalem differ from those in New York, London, or any other city.

The Jewish day includes three primary prayer services: Shacharit (morning), Mincha (afternoon), and Maariv (evening). Each service has a window defined by specific zmanim. For example, the morning Shema must be recited before the end of the third halachic hour, and Mincha can be prayed from shortly after midday until sunset.

How Are Zmanim Calculated?

Two primary calculation methods are used in Jewish communities. The Vilna Gaon (GRA) method divides the period from sunrise to sunset into 12 equal “halachic hours.” The Magen Avraham (MA) method extends this period, calculating from dawn (alot hashachar) to nightfall (tzeit hakochavim), resulting in slightly longer hours and earlier deadlines.

Both methods rely on precise astronomical data. The sun's depression angle below the horizon determines key moments like dawn (when the sun is 16.1 degrees below) and nightfall (8.5 degrees below for three stars). Seasonal and geographic variation means these times can shift dramatically, especially at high latitudes.

The Daily Jewish Prayer Schedule

A complete day of zmanim includes 15 key times. Alot HaShachar (dawn) marks when the first light appears. Misheyakir is when there is enough light to recognize an acquaintance. Netz HaChama (sunrise) begins the count of halachic hours. The day progresses through deadlines for Shema and Tefilla, solar noon (chatzot), Mincha times, Plag HaMincha, Shkia (sunset), and ends with Tzeit HaKochavim (emergence of three stars), which marks the beginning of the next Jewish day.

Key Facts About Zmanim

Zmanim are based on the sun's position, not fixed clock times, so they change every day and vary by location.

The two main calculation methods (GRA and Magen Avraham) can differ by 30+ minutes for early-morning deadlines.

Jewish communities in extreme latitudes (above 60 degrees) often follow special rulings since standard zmanim calculations break down.

The concept of "halachic hours" (sha'ot zmaniyot) divides daylight into 12 equal parts, meaning summer hours are longer than winter hours.

Sunset marks the transition to the next Jewish day, which is why Shabbat and holidays begin at candle lighting before sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Jewish prayer times and zmanim calculations.

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