[Avodah] Tahor App

[Ilana Elzufon via Avodah]

I have also been in touch with them (the programmer and one of the rabbis).
I haven't come to a final conclusion, but my impression so far is:
(1) The people on this project are y'rei Shamayim who take what they are
doing seriously and have worked very hard for a long time on developing
something that will be reliable
(2) It is definitely not as good as seeing a mareh in real life
(3) It is not good enough for borderline or difficult-to-pasken cases, and
when difficult marot are submitted the rabbis will tell them that they need
to be evaluated in person
(4) They have had quite good results testing this app with easier cases
(and most marot that women ask about are easier cases), which is why they
have the confidence to release it
(5) There are clear instructions on photographing the mareh in sunlight
(6) This is only available for iphone - and deliberately so. They have the
camera and white balance technology to give a good enough image, and
because everyone is using the same type of phone and operating system,
there is more control. Developing an android version will be significantly
more challenging.

If asked, I think I would cautiously tell women that IF they have no way to
get the mareh evaluated in person (they do not live near any qualified Rav
or yoetzet, or they are traveling), and they have an iphone and carefully
follow the instructions, this seems to be reliable. I have worked online
with Rav Auman for a long time, and while I haven't actually met him in
person, I do trust him to know what he is doing.

I'm still checking into it. If any of you have iphones (like most Israelis,
I have an android) and have installed the app, I would be very interested
in hearing feedback. Thank you!

Shavua tov,
Ilana
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