General

Hi Rabbi Simon, I wanted to clarify the issue of inviting non-Jewish guests on Yom Tov.  My understanding is that it is allowed to invite people who are already formally engaged in the conversion process.  However, it is less clear to me for partners/friends of a Jewish person or people who are not yet part of the Beth Din program. …

Dear Rabbi Simon, We have a candidate for conversion (through the LBD) lodging with us. We would like to invite a friend of hers (similar, not-yet-Jewish status) for a yom tov meal. I am aware that this gives rise to halakhic complications, and I have even been advised that we may not extend such an invitation altogether. This seems harsh…

Dear Rabbi Simon, Today [30 March 2025] is Rosh Chodesh Nissan, but as you pointed out in shul yesterday, the new moon was already visible in Yerushalayim earlier on Shabbat morning. In view of this (excuse the pun), could we have recited Kiddush Levana (Sanctification of the New Moon) after Shabbat last night already? Lev Dear Lev Thank you for your…

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have a cleaning lady coming on Yom Tov. (What a blessing!) Can she vacuum the carpets? Thank you so much. Valerie Dear Valerie, The halakhic problem with a vacuum cleaner is that it makes a lot of noise. This is an issue as it detracts from the Shabbos/Yom Tov atmosphere in the home, and it suggests that…

Dear Rabbi Simon I want to get a new kiddush cup for use on Shabbat/Yom Tov, Havdalah, Seder night, etc. I found one which holds 90ml/3.04oz. Is that large enough? Many thanks, Joseph Dear Joseph Thank you for your practical question. As a matter of basic halakhah, you may use a cup of the size you mention, as you can rely on…