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11 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Small Succah, Many Guests

Dear Rabbi Simon, Our succa only seats 3-4 people but we’ve enthusiastically invited a couple of people ‘too many’ for one of the meals. On a practical level, what can we do without having to disinvite the ‘extras’, which would not be very nice? If I’m not mistaken, the succa obligation is really only for the men.  Would it be OK…

08 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Shehechiyanu on the 2nd night of Hanukkah?

Dear Rabbi Simon Please advise re the following scenario: 1st night – you don’t light personally but are present at a lighting and so hear the blessing of shehechiyanu 2nd night – you light personally. Do you say shehechiyanu on the second night? Matityahu Dear Matt: If you have in mind to fulfil your mitzvah (of shehechiyanu) and the one who recites the blessing…

19 May 0Comments 0Likes

If the Fast of Esther is Onerous

Dear Rabbi Simon, Hope everyone is well. Hadassah has been having some difficulties with fasting over the past few ta’aniyot, even on 10 Tevet (though the Fast ended at 4:40pm). She does not feel well while fasting, and has to spend most of the day in bed. Looking ahead to Adar II, is it possible to be lenient l’chatchila [in the first instance]…

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…

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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