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19 May 0Comments 0Likes

Is Purim found in Persian Sources?

Dear Rabbi Simon With Purim approaching, I have a question for you. The Talmud (Megillah 7a) records a debate as to whether Megillat Esther should be included in the Bible. Detractors of the idea argued that it could (in essence) fuel antisemitism. However, proponents observed that the events were already widely known throughout the civilised world; the chronicles of the…

18 May 0Comments 0Likes

Shower Pump on Shabbat

Dear Rabbi Simon I have a Shabbat question for you. If a water tap runs with a pump attached to it, is using the tap on Shabbat permitted? I know that in instances where there is an indirect link, it is not breaking Shabbat. I am wondering if opening a tap, which allows water to flow, which activates the pressure…

18 May 0Comments 1Like

Q&A Collection: Pesach Shorts

Q: Can I use normal fairy liquid or do I need to buy kosher for Pesach fairy liquid or surface cleaners? A: Fairy Liquid–Regular is OK. Surface cleaners too. Q: Can I use vegetables that have been in a fruit and vegetable basket for Pesach or should I not? A: Produce for Pesach: Yes you may. Some are careful not…

14 May 0Comments 0Likes

Allergy-free Pesach

Dear Rabbi Simon As Pinny (age 5) is allergic to peanuts, I can look forward to Pesach with confidence, knowing that all kosher Ashkenazi homes will be kitniyot free and therefore peanut free – but to my surprise it seems very unclear and I show a few sources below to this effect: South African Beth Din: Are peanuts considered Kitniyot?…

14 May 0Comments 0Likes

Election Season: Ballot or Shabbat?

Dear Rabbi Simon, This year the EU elections for Greek expats is taking place on Shabbat.  Greek citizens in the UK will need to go to the Greek consulate and vote for the EU elections. Bearing in mind that this is an important EU election, my first question is, if I walk to the consulate in Holland Park would it be…

11 May 0Comments 0Likes

Like Peas in a Pod?

Dear Rabbi Simon We read that one is not allowed to eat peas from a pod on Shabbos? How is this different from peeling a banana on Shabbos, which is allowed? Yosef and Levia Dear Yosef & Levia TY for your sophisticated question. The Talmud (Beitzah 13b) teaches that mefarek (extracting) is a toldah (derivative) of dash (threshing). This refers…

07 May 0Comments 0Likes

Keeping My Job – A Close Shave?

Dear Rabbi Simon, Last year, I did not shave during the “9 Days” [leading up to the Fast of 9 Av].  My boss commented that it “was not a good look for me”…the implication being that my appearance was not quite in line with the professional demeanour that is expected at my work. Although my job is not directly in jeopardy…

07 May 0Comments 0Likes

Fasting on Tisha B’Av

Note: The exchange below relates to the specific circumstances of the questioner, and is presented here for general information. For personal guidance consult your LOR (as they say in the USA). Dear Rabbi Simon, As you may remember I find it so hard to fast that I have to spend all of Yom Kippur in bed to prevent myself from…

07 May 0Comments 0Likes

Shabbat Delivery

Dear Rabbi Simon. Can I order something on Friday if it will be delivered by Saturday. Context: Amazon one day delivery. Also, if the delivery comes on Shabbos and is left outside, can you bring it in the house? Many thanks, Mandy Dear Mandy, If you have a choice, better to avoid scheduling a delivery on Shabbos. But if Amazon chooses…

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
***
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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