Pesach

Dear Rabbi Simon, We have a new (very hot) Shabbat plattah – which we have kept covered in foil when using for Shabbat. Am I allowed to use it for milky food or—looking ahead–for Pesach, if I change the foil (which I would anyway do each time I use it)? Thanks, Paltiel Dear Paltiel If you clean the plattah and…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Dear Rabbi Simon, Are my family allowed to kitniyot (eg Bamba) between burning the chametz and candle-lighting on erev Pesach? Many thanks, Eliana Hi Eliana Thank you for your question. I’m afraid not. The kitniyot restriction begins at the same time as the restriction of chametz itself. Chag Kasher Ve’Sameach Rabbi Rashi Simon

Dear Rabbi Simon, We have a minhag (custom) to not eat matzah before Pesach, starting from Rosh Hodesh Nisan (although my personal preference is to abstain from after Pesach until the following Pesach!). I have now Kashered and changed over my kitchen for Pesach. Are we allowed to eat kosher for Pesach kneidlach & schnitzels fried in matzah meal? Or…

Note: Our “Ask Rabbi Rashi” portal attracts questioners of all different types. It seems that the enquiry below is from a public high school student in New Jersey, USA. Dear Rabbi Simon, Why do we need to eat matzah? Thanks, Marcia Hi Marcia Thank you for your seemingly simple question, which nonetheless can give rise to an extended essay by…