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02 Jul 0Comments 0Likes

Practical Pesach Questions

Dear Rabbi Simon, 1) I have just moved house and have a few questions relating to Pesach cleaning. Hob: I now have an electric hob instead of gas.  Do you just clean and turn it on high for 10 minutes or do you have to pour boiling water over it (will it crack?) Counter tops: you said we just need…

01 Jul 0Comments 0Likes

Still in the Count?

Dear Rabbi Simon, I just now remembered to count the Omer from last night! In looking at my watch, I see that it is now 20:07, and sunset (according to my app) is 20:05. However I think that I actually began the counting (with the short declaration of intent, “behold I am prepared and ready…”) at 20:04, ie just before…

30 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Shabbat and Digital Technology

Dear Rabbi Simon I was wondering if one is allowed to wear a digital watch on Shabbat?  If so is one also allowed to wear a Fitbit or similar? Best wishes Dalia Dear Dalia Thank you for your question. Digital watches are permitted on Shabbat, particularly if they have an aesthetic component, ie as an item of jewelry. This heter…

30 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Kiddush Diversion

Greetings, A Shabbos question: Does going to the lavatory after Kiddush but before washing one’s hands for Hamotzi (ie eating the challah), require repeating Kiddush? Shabbat Shalom, Jay Thank you for your Question, Jay. Although it is ideal to eat the seudah promptly after kiddush, there would be no need to repeat the kiddush in the event of the diversion…

29 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

How Early the Fast?

Dear Rabbi Simon, I was wondering why you are starting the fast of 17 Tamuz (this past Tuesday 11 July 2017) at 3.43 am, when most sources I can find say 1.35am? Regards Steven Dear Steven The simple answer to your question is that I am following the straightforward approach of Dawn = 72 minutes before sunrise. Others calculate based…

29 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Swimming Lessons during the Nine Days

Hi Rabbi Simon. I wanted to ask you about signing up Zev for swimming classes during the 9 days.  There is a summer swim crash course for children happening from July 24th-28th, which happens to be right at the start of the 9 days.  I know there are prohibitions against swimming, but I wanted to check with you if I’m…

29 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Sukkah Design

Dear Rabbi Simon, After 15 years of faithful service, the timber of our Succah is now rotting and requires replacing. I am designing a new timber succah and want to clarify a couple of halachic issues. 1) In order to make the sechach more wind resistant , I want the sechach to rest on wooden battens six inches below the top…

29 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Music to my Ears

Dear Rabbi Simon I have a question which has being troubling me since I read an article on the split between Orthodoxy and Liberalism in the Jerusalem Report. The article makes mention that during temple times, musical instruments were permitted on the Shabbat. I have the following questions: Is this correct? If correct, then why cannot we use musical instruments…

26 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Kosher Dog Food??

Dear Rabbi Simon, Interesting question from a new client with his puppy… ‘What rules apply to dog food in a strictly kosher home?’ I have always been of the opinion that as it’s the dog that’s eating the food there shouldn’t be an issue, but I think the client has a point about wet, canned food and the storage of…

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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