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05 May 0Comments 0Likes

Earliest time for Kiddush

Dear Rabbi Simon. If I don’t make it to shul on a Saturday morning, what is the earliest time I can make kiddush at home? Many thanks, Mike Dear Mike, Technically the earliest is after the Amidah for Shacharit, which can be recited any time after dawn (=72 minutes before sunrise). However it is ideal to wait for sunrise itself for Amidah.…

05 May 0Comments 0Likes

Staying out of hot water?

Dear Rabbi Simon. I wanted to consult with you about the halakhic aspects of something. At the synagogue of which I am the chairman we are due to replace a tap in the toilet. I am concerned that the current proposal of a single mixer tap is not a good idea as it would mix potentially hot/cold water, activate the…

05 May 0Comments 0Likes

Nursing and Fasting on Yom Kippur

Note: This Q&A is shared for general knowledge only. Any similar (or dissimilar) question should be discussed personally, rather than assessed based only on the particular response to the questioner below. Dear Rabbi Simon. Shanah Tovah! Having given birth recently, I’m feeling very anxious about Yom Kippur this year WRT fasting. I am currently drinking over 6 litres a day…

05 May 0Comments 0Likes

Rain in Israel during Sukkot

Dear Rabbi Simon. During Sukkot we had rain in Israel. I was very happy about it, yet I was notified with raised eyebrows that my joy was misplaced, as this is likened to spitting in the face of my master, as the midrash (or Mishnah?) states. I then learned that it is the prevailing approach, as incompatible as it may…

05 May 0Comments 0Likes

Opening Cans on Shabbos

Dear Rabbi Simon, What is your opinion about opening cans on Shabbos? Kalman Dear Kalman, This is a complex question, which I will answer succinctly on this occasion. In brief, I don’t favour it, in accordance with the view of Rav Moshe Feinstein (and others). For this reason we generally don’t buy cans of beer or soft drinks for use…

30 Apr 0Comments 2Likes

Moth Deterrent

Dear Rabbi Simon I bought moth stickers, or whatever they are called, not exactly moth balls, but the effect is that they kill moths and their larvae. Having already bought them, I am now wondering if that is halakhically permissible since you are killing an insect? If so, must one remove these devices on Shabbat? The reason I bought them is that…

30 Apr 0Comments 0Likes

Kosher Water Minibar

Dear Rabbi Simon, I saw this Kosher Water Minibar (https://www.kosher-water-minibar.co.uk/) advertised, and quite fancy reducing my energy bill and level of anxiety at my Shabbat urn hot water running out. I know the laws of Shabbat can be highly complex and some technological “solutions” are controversial. This product claims certification from Zomet and Institute of Science and Halacha. Is this reliable? Many thanks Mayim Hi Mayim…

30 Apr 0Comments 0Likes

Brushing Teeth on Shabbat

Dear Rabbi Simon, Do I need a special toothbrush for Shabbat? Someone told me about this. Isn’t there a dual problem with brushing your teeth with regards to “taking the bad from the good” and “leveling” (of the toothpaste)? Many thanks Elliot Dear Elliot, General “best practice” is to refrain from using toothpaste on Shabbos, even with a special toothbrush.…

30 Apr 0Comments 0Likes

Preferred Placement of the Menorah

Dear Rabbi Simon, Regarding placing the Menorah, it seems to me it’s about common sense where the persumei nisa (publicizing the miracle) is greatest rather than hard and fast rules.  Is that correct? Yehuda Dear Yehuda, I would tend to agree, although in Talmudic times (and Israel today) lighting at the doorway outside in the public domain, opposite the Mezuzah…

29 Apr 0Comments 0Likes

Taking Medication on a Fast Day

Dear Rabbi Simon WRT to the upcoming Fast (of Esther): I intend to fast, however I am prone to migraine headaches. These can get progressively worse on a fast day (but I will get through it). What are the rules around taking some pills? Mike Dear Mike, If you can swallow a pill without water there is no problem at…

Questions & Answers
this week

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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