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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…

16 Jan 0Comments 0Likes

Clapping on Shabbat

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have learned that there are restrictions on the use of musical instruments on Shabbat, such as guitar, flute, organ, drum, etc.  Recently, a friend told me that this extends to dancing, clapping one’s hands and even tapping on a table to the beat of a song.  Yet I know I have seen knowledgeable people doing these things.  Can…

16 Nov 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…

25 Aug 0Comments 0Likes

Alternative to Wine & Grape Juice for Seder

Dear Rabbi Simon, I can’t drink wine, and grape juice does not agree with me.  Can I substitute pomegranate juice, or something else, even sparkling water. Many thanks for answering my question, Leah Dear Leah, Under the extenuating circumstances you describe, you may substitute another beverage for that of the grape. (Another option is to dilute grape juice, even as…

25 Aug 0Comments 0Likes

Pesach Cleaning Hob and Counter Tops

Dear Rabbi Simon 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 to…

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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