Q&A: For the count that we count?
For the count that we count?
Question
In a ketubah, in the year 5784 according to the count that we count from the creation of the world—
is it appropriate to change it to “according to the count that some count from the creation of the world”?
Or to write “according to the count that we count” without mentioning the creation of the world?
I have no interest in saying something false, especially in a ketubah.
Is that okay?
Answer
It is not false. We count from the creation of the world according to the traditional calculation. You were not here at the creation of the world, so you are not making any factual claim here. You are simply clarifying which year is being referred to, and that is an excellent clarification. I see no reason at all to depart from it.
Discussion on Answer
You certainly do not have to. As for whether you may, in my opinion any year-counting system that is clear to everyone is halakhically legitimate. Still, there is a custom to count according to our system, and by virtue of that custom it is proper to do so.
But if you are certain that the world was not created then, does that mean you should / may change it?