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11 May 0Comments 0Likes

Refuah Prayers

Dear Rabbi Simon, In my Shemoneh Esrei, I add names in for ill people in the Refa’einu prayer. I am unsure as to what really qualifies for inclusion and when you should remove their name from your prayers. So typical examples are – a person who has an ongoing illness that is not life threatening but they could do with…

11 May 0Comments 0Likes

Refuah Prayers (cont.)

Dear Rabbi Simon At what point should we remove a person’s name from the list of cholim [those in need of healing] that you say over Shabbat in shul? My mother is thank G-d well on her way to recovery, so as a general rule, should that list be reserved for more serious situations? Danny Hi Danny This is a…

11 May 0Comments 0Likes

G-d Who Heals all Flesh

Dear Rabbi Simon I was wondering what the Halacha was for davening for a family member who isn’t Jewish for a Refuah sheleimah? There’s no Hebrew name, so what does one say? Thank you, Sophie Dear Sophie Sorry to hear of a family member who is unwell. I would recommend using the formula Britney bat Chava or Bradley ben Chava.…

11 May 0Comments 0Likes

Tequila Surprise

Dear Rabbi Simon I recently acquired a bottle of tequila (the Mexican spirit distilled from the agave plant) of the con gusano variety. I am not planning to consume the worm, but can I drink the tequila in which it is preserved? Thanks Carlos Hi Carlos I wanted to get back to you about the worm lurking in your tequila…

07 May 0Comments 0Likes

Chess Camp in Church Hall

Dear Rabbi Simon. I have a question regarding a club in church. I’d like to sign Seth up for chess camp, but it looks like it’s inside the church hall. When I asked the organizer about it, here’s what he said: “The Camp is inside the church hall. The church is closed when we hire the premises and the only attending…

07 May 0Comments 0Likes

Mezuzot on the Move?

Dear Rabbi Simon. We are selling our house when we make Aliyah. Our buyers are religious and went as far so as to request a Heter Iska be included in the Contract. My question is what is my obligation re: leaving Mezuzot given that the purchasers are Jewish (and in fact frum)? Thanks Dave Dear Dave, Strictly speaking you must…

05 May 0Comments 0Likes

Gluing a Mezuzah

Dear Rabbi Simon. My new landlord doesn’t allow for any nails to be fastened to the wall or the door post. Is it permissible to attach a mezuzah by glue (if I can find a mezuzah like that)? Steve Dear Steve, Yes. Some mezuzah cases are sold with an adhesive strip on the surface which attaches to the doorpost. You…

05 May 0Comments 1Like

Evening Shema

Dear Rabbi Simon. Do I fulfil my obligation for evening Shema in any way if I say it before nightfall i.e in the early summer Maarivs? I find that in the summer once I’ve davened early Maariv with a minyan– I don’t remember to say Shema again before bed. Thanks Shimon Dear Shimon According to the preponderance of opinions, one…

05 May 0Comments 0Likes

NHS Clinic in a Church

Dear Rabbi Simon I recently found out I am no longer registered with the NHS in my neighbourhood. There is a clinic opposite my work which is very convenient as then I don’t have to miss work. However, the clinic is in the basement of a church and in order to enter it one has to go into the church…

30 Apr 0Comments 2Likes

Moth Deterrent

Dear Rabbi Simon I bought moth stickers, or whatever they are called, not exactly moth balls, but the effect is that they kill moths and their larvae. Having already bought them, I am now wondering if that is halakhically permissible since you are killing an insect? If so, must one remove these devices on Shabbat? The reason I bought them is 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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