Lighting Candles in a Hotel

HomeLighting Candles in a Hotel

Created OnMarch 31, 2026

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Dear Rabbi Simon
Can I light my Yom Tov/Shabbos candles in the lobby of a hotel if I am unable to light in my room?
Many thanks,
Ora

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Dear Ora,
Yes, you may. You should linger near the candles for a while to benefit from the light (or even the ambiance). 10 minutes or so after sunset is sufficient. You can read, daven or even just talk to a friend in the vicinity of the candles.
Best wishes for a joyous and kosher Pesach
Rabbi Rashi Simon

Questions & Answers

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Questions and Answers

Ask the Rabbi: Quinoa on Pesach

Dear Rabbi Simon,
Where do you stand on quinoa (and the kitniyot ban) for Pesach?
Many thanks,

Tzippy

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Dear Tzippy,

In line with other American authorities, I am in favour of quinoa. Although I reject completely the voices (mostly from Israel) seeking to abolish the ban on kitniyot entirely, IMO we do not need to include in the prohibition pseudo-grains that were unknown in the Old World until modern times. Best to buy with a Pesach hechsher though, to be free of any possible wheat contamination.
Rabbi Rashi Simon

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