Festivals & Jewish Calendar

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01 Oct 0Comments 0Likes

Hearing the Shofar

Dear Rabbi Simon I think I will find it difficult to hear all 100 notes of the shofar due to childcare and other responsibilities. Is this something I need to repent for on Yom Kippur. It does seem a shame to begin the year with a debit in my account already. Many thanks Shifra Dear Shifra Thank you for your…

26 Sep 0Comments 0Likes

Fast Approaching

Dear Rabbi Simon I fast on Tzom Gedaliah but did not know about the fast erev Rosh Hashanah (even just to midday) and feel terribly. Is it still commonly practiced? An obligation for women? Several people I asked about it did not seem to know of it. Many thanks, Dalia Dear Dalia The Fast of Gedalya is a statutory fast,…

14 Aug 0Comments 0Likes

Shabbat Question, Property Sector

Dear Rabbi Simon I wondered if there is any issue with a tenant moving in to a rental property on a Shabbos? The contracts were signed, and payments made 2 months in advance, but the tenant can only move in on a Saturday. The keys would be left with the porter. Many thanks, Terrance Dear Terrance, Thank you for your…

31 Jul 0Comments 0Likes

Children’s Activities in the 9 Days

Dear Rabbi Simon I am trying to organise some activities for the kids during their holidays. Would I be correct to assume not to book either sewing/dressmaking camp or canooing /windsufing/sailing during the 9 days? Kind regards Miriam Dear Miriam, Even children should avoid water sports during 9 Days. There are grounds to allow sewing lessons if the garment is…

10 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Whisky Festival

Dear Rabbi Simon, Rabbi, I hope you don’t mind me asking you some interesting whisky-related questions. A year from now is the annual Feis Ile whisky festival in the faraway Scottish island of Islay. I’m planning a milestone birthday trip with some friends. We will have to be there over Shabbat for it to work. A couple of practical questions:…

30 May 0Comments 0Likes

Music on Lag B’Omer

Dear Rabbi Simon Please can I ask about music on the eve of Lag B’Omer? I think I once heard that one had to wait to Lag B’Omer morning to listen to music.  I am not sure if this is correct?  If it is correct, can I also ask for my daughter who is in seminary in Israel.  She would like to…

17 Apr 0Comments 1Like

Pre-cut Vegetables on Pesach

Good morning, Rabbi Simon Sorry to trouble you. I can’t remember if we are allowed to use bags of pre-cut vegetables from quality retailers such as Marks & Spencer.  I obviously check them accordingly. I just can’t remember if we are allowed them for Pesach Perry Hi Perry Thank you for your practical question. The pitfall with these lovely pre-cut…

17 Apr 0Comments 0Likes

Chametz in Wheelie Bin

Hi Rabbi Simon Is it a problem to leave chametz in the wheelie bins before Pesach since the bins will only be collected once Pesach has begun? Binyamin Hi Binyamin Since the bins are the property of the Council, once you put chametz there it can be considered out of your possession. However, Barnet Council is also providing a special…

11 Apr 0Comments 0Likes

Cocoa Powder for Pesach

Dear Rabbi Simon, Is sugared cocoa powder, such as Cadbury’s, Kosher for Pesach? Is it like coffee or tea? Many thanks, Peter Dear Peter, Cocoa with sugar requires Pesach supervision. The US sources say that domestically produced plain cocoa powders are OK, but not from Europe! The LBD also does not approve standard cocoa powder for Pesach use. This is…

11 Apr 0Comments 0Likes

Pesach Questions

Hi Rabbi Simon I need to sell my chametz over to you, but I have a few questions just to make sure I am properly doing it. I live in a flat share and I have chametz in cupboards, fridge, freezer and some whisky in a separate cupboard and some bottles in my bedroom. I will be leaving for Pesach…

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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