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04 Apr 0Comments 0Likes

Pesach Prep

Dear Rabbi Simon, We’re beginning our Pesach prep and have a few questions; I hope you can help! 1. How does one kasher a gas-fired barbecue? 2. Does one need to kasher an electric or manual coffee bean grinder? 3. We have a new (very hot) Shabbat platta (hot plate, popular in Israel, albeit likely made in China) – which…

17 Jan 0Comments 0Likes

Making Havdalah on Beer

Dear Rabbi Simon, I just made havdalah but on 0.5 % volume beer. It is also advertised as alcohol free beer. Is this valid? Do I need to make havdalah again? Many thanks, Berel Dear Berel I am not sure if beer-drinkers consider the alcohol-free version to be completely authentic, however the distinction can be overlooked WRT חמר מדינה status.…

14 Dec 0Comments 0Likes

Using a Hotplate on Shabbat

Dear Rabbi Simon, We have begun to use a hotplate (food warmer, sometimes known by its Hebrew name platta) for hot food on Shabbat. Can you please advise how to use it in a halakhically acceptable way. Also using it with an electric time switch (colloquially know as a Shabbos clock). Thanks Philip Dear Phil Classically, a Shabbat hotplate is…

27 Sep 0Comments 0Likes

Cleaner on Yom Tov

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have a cleaning lady coming on Yom Tov. (What a blessing!) Can she vacuum the carpets? Thank you so much. Valerie Dear Valerie, The halakhic problem with a vacuum cleaner is that it makes a lot of noise. This is an issue as it detracts from the Shabbos/Yom Tov atmosphere in the home, and it suggests that…

20 Sep 0Comments 0Likes

Bamboo Blinds for Sechach

Dear Rabbi Simon, We had a query re sechach. We have seen advice on Facebook that using bamboo blinds for sechach is OK if we buy from, say, B&Q.  Please can you let us know if this is indeed acceptable and/or there is anything we should look out for, or whether this is in fact a bad idea! Thank you,…

14 Sep 0Comments 0Likes

Green Etrog

Dear Rabbi Simon, I bought an etrog which is quite green (rather than yellow). The dealer assured me it is OK halachically, but I am not sure if I can rely on his advice. Should I take it back and choose another one? Thank you, Jay Dear Jay, Thank you for your question. I can validate your caution about relying…

19 Jul 0Comments 0Likes

Gliding during the “Nine Days”

Dear Rabbi Simon, Shimi has applied for a gliding scholarship to take place during the summer holidays for the period of one week. They asked during the interview if there were any weeks he could not do. I have already told him to let them know that he could not do the scholarship during the week of 9 Av (ie effectively…

12 Jul 0Comments 0Likes

Table Manners

Dear Rabbi Simon, I’ve recently agreed with my siblings that we will be taking my late parents’ dining room table (and moving ours on). Unfortunately, the timing seems problematic, as they would like to move the table later this week. We are uncomfortable doing this during the Nine Days of Av [up to and including the Fast of 9 Av, when commercial activity should be…

05 Jul 0Comments 0Likes

Theatre Visit: Three Weeks, Nine Days

Dear Rabbi Simon, With reference to the 3 Weeks [period of national mourning in memory of the Destruction of the Temple and the Exile] approaching [starting on Thursday 6 July 2023] – are we able to go to the theatre before the 9 Days [up to and including the Fast of Av] begin? Thank you. Kate Dear Kate, Thank you…

04 May 0Comments 0Likes

“Lag B’Omer Tonight”

Dear Rabbi Simon, If someone says “It is Lag B’Omer tonight” on the 32nd day of the ‘Omer, has he (inadvertently) counted the ‘Omer or not? May he still recite the berakhah and count the 33rd day of the ‘Omer in the usual way at night? Many thanks, Omri Hi Omri, Thank you for your question. Although the minhag is…

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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