Intoxicating Purim?

Dear Rabbi Simon, Do we really have to drink so much on Purim that we cannot distinguish between Mordechai and Haman? I don’t think I have ever gotten that drunk. (Or if I have, I don’t remember it 🙃.) Lottie   Dear Lottie, The Talmud (Meg. 7b) declares, “one is obligated to drink [wine or other intoxicating beverages] until he…

Purim Se’udah on Friday

Hi, TY for your Purim 5781 guidelines. Can I ask, for someone who has no possibility to have a “brunch” seudah and the only way is to start before Shabbat and continue into the Friday night meal – how would that work in practice, for instance with davening, etc. Many thanks Celia Dear Celia TY for your question re Purim…

Purim: To Drink or Not to Drink?

Dear Rabbi Simon, I am disappointed in not being able to attend the “Murder at the Purim Feast” talk at Kesher this week, on the mitzvah of drinking on Purim. Can you please tell me in brief what you had to say specifically about how and how much drinking is allowed/recommended/required? Thank you in advance Mordechai Dear Mordechai, The Talmud…

Persian Evidence of Purim?

Dear Rabbi Simon, At a certain point in antiquity, there was extensive deliberation over whether Megillat Esther should be included in the Bible.  Detractors of the idea argued that it could unnecessarily antagonise those not favourably disposed towards Jewry.  However, proponents of its inclusion maintained that the events were already widely known throughout the civilised world; the chronicles of the…

Is Purim found in Persian Sources?

Dear Rabbi Simon With Purim approaching, I have a question for you. The Talmud (Megillah 7a) records a debate as to whether Megillat Esther should be included in the Bible. Detractors of the idea argued that it could (in essence) fuel antisemitism. However, proponents observed that the events were already widely known throughout the civilised world; the chronicles of the…

Questions & Answers
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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
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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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