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22 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Crystal or Occult?

Dear Rabbi Simon I recently bought a couple of necklaces from a lady who does crystal healing. I bought them because they were pretty, and thought of the “healing” properties as just a bit of an added bonus and a nice idea! It occurred to me afterwards to wonder whether it’s OK to wear these from a Jewish perspective? Thanks…

22 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Puppy Love

Dear Rabbi Simon We have recently acquired a (female) dog as a family pet. Our vet has advised us to have her neutered, as is common practice with many household pets (particularly dogs). Is there any objection to this in Jewish law? Caleb Dear Caleb TY for your Q. The simple answer is yes, there is an objection. The Torah…

22 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Sacred Texts, but Surplus to Requirements

Dear Rabbi Simon We have a box of Chumashim (mostly Bereishis) that were cast-offs from one of the Jewish schools (we were able to have them for Elkanah’s bar mitzvah). They were given to us to use/dispose. With a few exceptions they are in pretty bad shape though still usable technically. We’re not sure what to do with them – should they…

11 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Ownership and Uprooting of a Fruit-bearing Tree

Note: This week’s Parasha (Shofetim) includes the prohibition of cutting down a fruit-bearing tree (Deut. 20:19). The following Q&A from this past winter relates to this subject. Dear Rabbi Simon, Our sycamore tree blew down in a recent storm causing significant damage to our neighbour’s patio.  If our pear tree were to fall down in another storm it would probably…

11 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Close Shave Part II

Hi Rabbi Simon Following on from last week’s “close shave” question. I have heard many different opinions on “some razors” are kosher because they scissors cut while others are not kosher. Is there a clear answer/hechsher that exists on which razor to use from a halachic perspective? Many thanks Grant Dear Grant I sort of expected this question, and you…

09 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

A Thread of Blue: Fringe Benefits

Editor’s note: for follow-up Q&A on this subject see Techelet: All or Nothing? Dear Rabbi Simon I have a question about something I came across on a “techelet experience” in Israel recently. Given that techelet is d’oraita [a Torah mitzvah] how come it is only taken up on a limited basis? Is this due to the lack of clarity as…

09 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Techelet: All or Nothing?

Note: This is a follow-up to A Thread of Blue: Fringe Benefits Dear Rabbi Simon, Recently someone wanted to promote the idea of Hekdesh and keeping things special for Shabbat – particularly clothing – and this is a fabulous initiative. One thing that I and others do not have is ’special’ tzitzit for Shabbat and the idea came about that…

09 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Beracha on Tzitzit

Dear Rabbi Simon, Would taking off tsitsit to play football for one hour require a beracha when putting them back on? Alex Hi Alex, I would not think so, however if you shower afterwards, then yes. Particularly if you have in mind that the berachah in the morning applies only until you take the ציצית off. Of course if it…

05 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Fringe Benefits for Lefties

The following Q&A is from a text message exchange: Shmuel: As one who is left-handed, do I hold Tzitzit in my right hand for first 2 paragraphs of Shema, then in my left-hand for the 3rd paragraph? Rabbi Simon: Holdציצית  in the left hand, the side of the heart. Between pinkie and ring finger. For the third paragraph hold in the…

19 May 0Comments 0Likes

Mixed Gym

Dear Rabbi Simon Whilst I have realised for a while at my ripe old age that I need to do more exercise, what holds me back is finding the time.  Once I get home in the evening, there is always something to do and despite my best efforts I never seem to be able to get these trainers on and…

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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