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19 May 0Comments 0Likes

Priestly Garment: Pa’amon ve-Rimon

Dear Rabbi Simon, In last week parashah, the Kohen Gadol’s ceremonial robe was adorned with Bells and Rimonim (pomegranates). I have read that the Bells were to alert people (or possibly the angels?), that the Kohen Gadol is approaching. What function did the Rimonim serve. I could not find any explanation. Nothing in the Torah without a reason. Looking forward…

18 May 0Comments 0Likes

Pinkie Pointing

Dear Rabbi Simon What is the source and the meaning of the custom to point the pinkie at the Torah Scroll when it is lifted after reading from it in public (or before, in the Sephardic tradition)? Pinchus Dear Pinny Your question is interesting because it relates to a widespread custom whose source is rather obscure. The Shulchan Aruch (OH…

14 May 0Comments 0Likes

OMG! Cheese and Bacon in my Oven

Dear Rabbi Simon, My wife came home and found that our cleaner had put her cheese and ham sandwich in the oven. She is pyroliticing it now but the cleaner used our milk one and she can’t leave the sides and racks in. Is there any way the sides and racks can be kashered? Thank you in advance! Shlomo Dear…

14 May 0Comments 0Likes

Tzedakah Calculation

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have a question regarding giving charity. If I had committed to giving a set amount each month to charity and I decide to give this charity through a service like https://achisomoch.org/, where they take 5% comission for the use of their very good service, surely it is up to me to give an additional 5% as…

11 May 0Comments 0Likes

Davening Catch Up

Dear Rabbi Simon, If the minyan davens too fast for me and I have to prioritise my Pesukei D’zimra in order to time it that I say Shema and Amidah with the minyan, when is best to catch up the parts of P’sukei D’zimra? Can I do this during repetition of Amidah? Thanks Ratz K’Tzvi Hi Zvi Good question. The…

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…

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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