Sefirat HaOmer

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01 Apr 0Comments 0Likes

Haircuts in the Omer

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have a question concerning haircuts in the Omer: I am unaware of a family minhag in this regard. My paternal great grandfather was from Courland in Latvia. What is the minhag to follow in this case, regarding haircuts, shaving, etc during the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot? Shall I observe the days from Rosh Chodesh Iyyar…

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…

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…

01 Jul 0Comments 0Likes

Still in the Count?

Dear Rabbi Simon, I just now remembered to count the Omer from last night! In looking at my watch, I see that it is now 20:07, and sunset (according to my app) is 20:05. However I think that I actually began the counting (with the short declaration of intent, “behold I am prepared and ready…”) at 20:04, ie just before…

25 Aug 0Comments 0Likes

Counting the Omer

Dear Rabbi Simon, I just now remembered to count the Omer from last night! In looking at my watch, I see that it is now 20:07, and sunset (according to my app) is 20:05. However I think that I actually began the counting (with the short declaration of intent, “behold I am prepared and ready…”) at 20:04, ie just before…

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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