Shabbat

Dear Rabbi Simon Sensors were recently installed outside our block of flats which automatically come on when someone enters or leaves the block. Sometimes, we need to go out in the evening on Shabbat or yom tov (e.g. going to hosts for a meal). What implications does this have for Shabbat and Yom Tov observance? Many thanks, Esti Dear Esti…

Dear Rabbi Simon, Am I allowed to eat leftover Matzah from Pesach instead of bread for Shabbos? Matt Hi Matt, Sure. There is no objection to using matzah (in place of challah) for Shabbos. Use whole rather than broken pieces to fulfil the mitzvah requirement of lehem mishneh. By the way, there are those who have the minhag of using…

Dear Rabbi Simon I hope that you are well. Sorry to trouble you but I wondered if there is any issue with allowing a tenant moving into a rental property on a Shabbos? The contracts have been signed and payments were made two months in advance but the tenant can only move in on a Saturday. The keys would be…

Dear Rabbi Simon A quick Shabbos question for you. What is the best way to reheat a chicken in gravy that was baked in an oven? Thanks, Shabtai Dear Shabtai Thank you for your practical and important Shabbos question. If the gravy is substantial, reheating on Shabbos poses a problem, as the accepted halakhic view is that יש בישול אחר…

Dear Rabbi Simon I wondered if there is any issue with a tenant moving in to a rental property on a Shabbos? The contracts were signed, and payments made 2 months in advance, but the tenant can only move in on a Saturday. The keys would be left with the porter. Many thanks, Terrance Dear Terrance, Thank you for your…

Dear Rabbi Simon, Rabbi, I hope you don’t mind me asking you some interesting whisky-related questions. A year from now is the annual Feis Ile whisky festival in the faraway Scottish island of Islay. I’m planning a milestone birthday trip with some friends. We will have to be there over Shabbat for it to work. A couple of practical questions:…

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.…

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…

Dear Rabbi Simon I have a question for you from the and sun-deprived north. In my city, Shabbos comes in as early as 14:30 (surreal, I know…). Friday evening prayers are at 17:30 (Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv; no Mincha). Can I make Kiddush and eat cake, babka, or kichel and herring, for example, or even bread/challah (lechem mishneh) before going…

Dear Rabbi Simon I am teaching a Year 7 class about the festival of Shabbat. A question was asked relating to the use of Alexa. Can Alexa be used during this period to play music? Thank you Colin Dear Colin Thank you for your interesting and practical question. The consensus view is that use of voice-activated electronic devices like Alexa should…