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16 Dec 0Comments 0Likes

Change of Name due to Illness

Dear Rabbi Simon, Can you send me information regarding changing the name of a child who has a severe illness through another family adopting the child. I know that that was done in the past by community rabbis. I read something about it when I was a student 15 years ago. Does my memory serve me? Many thanks, Abi Dear Abi,…

08 Dec 0Comments 0Likes

Seasonal Wreath

Dear Rabbi Simon, I am Jewish and live in a sixteen-unit condo complex in Concord, Massachusetts. A neighbor of mine bought evergreen wreaths with red bows for all the units and put them on the exterior wall of every unit. When I saw it, I thought this doesn’t belong on my door and took it down, but then I learned that…

24 Nov 0Comments 0Likes

Kashering a Saucepan

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have a halachic question: I have a meat Teflon saucepan that by mistake I washed in a dairy dishwasher. Shall I toss it or keep it? Thank you. Sue Dear Sue, There is no need to discard your saucepan. I would recommend kashering it by filling it near to the top with water then heating it…

10 Nov 0Comments 0Likes

Mezonot or Hamotzi for Roll which is a Meal

Dear Rabbi Simon, If I’m having a piece of mezonot pita, is it proper to nevertheless wash my hands [ritually] and say ha-motzi if I’m regarding it as a meal (even say, breakfast-on-the-go)? In other words, should I treat it as bread? Similarly, on a recent occasion I chose a mezonot sandwich when I met a friend at a bakery…

03 Nov 0Comments 0Likes

Yitzchak’s Delicacies

Dear Rabbi Simon, In Parshas Toldos we learn that Yitzchak wants to bless Eisav, and so tells him, “And make for me some tasty food,כאשר אהבתי, like I love.” On a superficial level it would appear that Yitzchak craves the physical pleasure of eating. How can this be for a Tzadik like Yitzchak? Thanks, Tzvi Dear Tzi, Thank you for your question, posed…

28 Oct 0Comments 0Likes

Jewish Status Quandary

Hi Rabbi, I have a question about a girl I’m seeing. Her grandmother was born in Russia and during WWII, was left with a family in Portugal. The family was not Jewish but always told her her parents were. Her parents were presumed killed in the war. She was sent to Brazil. The Rabbi’s here in Paris asked, considering she…

20 Oct 0Comments 0Likes

How can a Gentile mourn a Jewish loved one?

Dear Rabbi Simon, I was wondering how a Gentile can respectfully mourn a Jewish loved one? If there are no Jewish family members who are able to lead the mourning, how can a Gentile make sure that the deceased is respected and properly mourned according to Jewish customs? Thank you, Deborah Dear Deborah, TY for your sensitive question. Depending on…

15 Oct 0Comments 0Likes

Kosher Energy Drinks

Dear Rabbi Simon, There aren’t many items which have a kashrut symbol where I live. I want to get some energy drinks. What should I look out for to avoid non-kosher drinks? Many thanks, Avigail Dear Avigail, TY for your question. My best practical advice is to make use of the Is It Kosher? app https://isitkosher.uk/. This has extensive lists of…

15 Oct 0Comments 0Likes

Undressing in the Presence of a Pet

Dear Rabbi Simon, Can one change clothes (naked) in front in of a pet in the bedroom or in the bathroom? Noa *** Dear Noa, Thank you for your question. There is no prohibition to undress in the presence of a household pet. However, the Torah explicitly prohibits bestiality, so one who is prone to sexual arousal in the presence…

18 Aug 0Comments 0Likes

Davening when Unwell

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have a question that is quite pertinent these days. I understand that the Talmud and codes say we should not start praying if we’re feeling lightheaded etc. What is the situation when you’re not well? I know while I was sick with COVID-19, I would drag myself up and put tephilin on and did my davening. But…

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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