Shabbat: Three Stars
Question
Dear Rabbi,
My Jewish girlfriend is teaching me, slowly, all of the customs and traditions. It is fascinating, but a very slow process for me. I am not afraid to admit that I am using "Shalom Sesame" as a supplemental. I learned that the definition of "after sunset" was when three stars are visible in the sky.
To finally get to my question, I have posited that three was used, because Mercury and Venus are both visible at sunrise and set. The third star would be one that is only visible in a darkening sky.
I look forward to a Jewish history and astrology lesson.