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31 Jul 0Comments 0Likes

Digital Sanctity

Dear Rabbi Simon, Can I write G-d’s name electronically and delete it? Regards Dina Dear Dina, Thank you for your practical question. The answer is that you may, as the digital image which appears on a screen does not have the sanctity (or relative permanence) of the written word. However, as a matter of sensitivity I would not encourage writing…

26 Jul 0Comments 0Likes

Roman Baths

Dear Rabbi Simon, I am planning a visit next week to Bath, Somerset, the UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Roman-era baths. But when a friend sent me photos, describing “one of the finest religious spas of the ancient world,” I began to wonder if one is actually allowed to visit this particular historical attraction, considering that the religion…

28 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Davening Attire

Dear Rabbi Simon, I hope you don’t mind if I pose a question regarding davening apparel. I daven at home regularly and I was curious as to what the halakhic etiquette is in terms of attire and footwear. The way I approach this, which is not based on anything specific, is that when I pray I make sure I am…

21 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Visiting Hampton Court Palace Chapel

Dear Rabbi Simon, I would like to visit Hampton Court Palace while I’m in London but I’m not sure if, as Jews, we are forbidden to visit the Palace because there is a chapel there. Would it be OK to visit the palace but avoid the chapel? Thank you, Courtney Dear Courtney Thank you for your question. You may visit the Hampton…

14 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Remember my Soul

Dear Rabbi Simon, Before Shavuot I lit yahrzeit candles for my parents as well as one for my boyfriend who passed away 2 years ago. My parents’ candles lasted exactly 24 hours but my boyfriend’s candle lasted 28 hours. Does this mean anything as the 3 candles were all lit at the same time? I keep thinking my boyfriend wasn’t ready…

07 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Prayer or Prison?

Dear Rabbi Simon, Should the mitzvah of prayer in a minyan be canceled at a time of danger of being in a dangerous place or being persecuted by non-Jewish authorities, for example, going to prison? This means a danger that may come true (and many people, not only Jews, take it seriously), but it may not happen either. Eli Dear…

31 May 0Comments 0Likes

Praying for Recovery from Illness

Dear Rabbi Simon, Could I have your thoughts please on how long one must keep names on davening lists for? I have several names of holim that aren’t recent, and I have no way of knowing if they still need my tefillot. Do you think I should continue to mention them in my prayers? Many thanks in advance. Lisa Dear Lisa, Thank…

24 May 0Comments 0Likes

Christian Torah student: To Teach or not to Teach?

Introductory Note: Jewish Law (halakhah) generally prohibits teaching Torah to one who is not Jewish. (Unless s/he has been formally accepted as a candidate for conversion under the auspices of a qualified Beth Din.) Yet, clarifying the errors/distortions of Christianity, for example, may be permitted, as every person is entitled to learn how to live by the Noachide laws (which…

17 May 0Comments 0Likes

Age Ranges in the Torah

Dear Rabbi Simon, I was wondering what is the significance of the different age ranges that the Torah addresses in the course of the book of Bamidbar (Numbers). Last week, the Levi’im were considered for service from ages 20 to 50. The previous week, the Levi’im were counted but only from ages 30 to 50. This week only the people…

10 May 0Comments 0Likes

Shemita Question

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have a shemita question: I accidentally bought a bunch of Israeli basil which is now in my fridge. What should I do with it? Many thanks Rosemary Dear Rosemary, Thank you for your question. Basil is subject to the law of sefichin, which essentially means one should not eat it, as produce of the field (as opposed…

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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