Rosh HaShanah

Medical Scan in the Days of Awe

Hi Rabbi Simon If you don’t mind I was hoping to ask you a question. Each year my wife Hannah has an important annual medical scan and this year it falls between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I was curious whether there is a reason to avoid having such medical investigations during this time period? I ask as during other…

Can Tashlich be recited on Shabbat?

Dear Rabbi Simon, Are we allowed to say Tashlich (the brief customary New Year ritual recited in the proximity of a body of water) during Shabbat? We did not manage to accomplish this on Rosh HaShanah. Thanks & Shana Tova Mayim Hi Mayim Tashlich is not recommended for Shabbat. However, you can say Tashlich until (and including) erev Yom Kippur,…

Meeting with Royalty

Note: On Rosh HaShanah we feel acutely the Kingship of Hashem. The Talmud teaches that one should seek out an opportunity to see earthly royalty, to gain a faint, symbolic echo of the Divine Kingship. There is even a blessing to be recited on seeing a monarch (king or queen), “Who has given of His glory to flesh and blood.”…

Apples & Honey

Dear Rabbi Simon, The tradition of dipping an apple in honey on Rosh HaShanah is very well known. But I am not sure if I need to say a separate blessing on the apple, for example when it is eaten after the challah at dinner on Rosh HaShanah night. What about a blessing on the honey? Thanks for your advice.…

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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