Ariel Kopitnikoff asked:
On daf 2b in Berachos when the Gemara discusses the various opinions as to when the earliest time is to recite the Shma, one of the opinions is "when the poor person comes to eat his bread and salt." Rashi explains that since the man is poor he cant afford candles. The end result of the Gemara is that this time is after the Kohen is allowed to eat his trumah i.e. after the stars come out.
My question is: If the poor man cant afford candles why is he starting his meal when its dark?
Ariel Kopitnikoff, Elizabeth NJ
The Kollel replies:
I have heard that there are those who prove, based on your question, that Rashi accepts the opinion of the Ge'onim, i.e. that Tzeis ha'Kochavim is shortly (3/4 mil) after Sheki'ah, when it is not yet totally dark.
D. Zupnik