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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…

22 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Tzedakah Questions

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have some ma’aser queries that I would be grateful if you could help me with. I made a complaint to two separate companies, due to a defect in their products, which made them unusable. (Although the amounts involved are modest, I want to be exacting in the mitzvah, as well as to establish the halakhic principles…

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

Double Trouble or Solution?

Dear Rabbi Simon We are renewing our kitchen (a costly but rewarding endeavour). I am looking at an Indesit built-in electric double oven (£269 from John Lewis). May I simply designate one oven for meat and one for dairy, or do I need two separate single ovens? Debbie Dear Debbie While the luxury of two separate single ovens is preferred…

09 Jun 0Comments 0Likes

Vegan Cheese and Beef Burgers

Dear Rabbi Simon I am cooking beef burgers for supper tonight and would like to know if there is a problem with maarit aayin to put parev vegan cheese with the burgers. Thank You Coleiv Dear Coleiv In such a case the שולחן ערוך  says to place the non-dairy wrapper on the counter near where you’re cooking. Then it’s OK.…

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…

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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