The following Q&A is from a text message exchange:
Shmuel: As one who is left-handed, do I hold Tzitzit in my right hand for first 2 paragraphs of Shema, then in my left-hand for the 3rd paragraph?
Rabbi Simon: Holdציצית in the left hand, the side of the heart. Between pinkie and ring finger. For the third paragraph hold in the same way in both hands. Release after the word לעד .
Shmuel: But then I cannot touch the Tefillin during the Shema in the first and second paragraphs. Such a stretch. Remember no Tallit [Widespread Ashkenazic practice is that a man does not wear a tallit until he is married.]
Rabbi Rashi Simon: I had this problem in the days before I wore a Tallit. Would sometimes necessitate tucking my shirt back in before beginning the Amidah. Holding the Tzitzit takes precedence over touching the Tefillin, if you cannot do both.
Ask the Rabbi: Quinoa on Pesach
Dear Rabbi Simon,
Where do you stand on quinoa (and the kitniyot ban) for Pesach?
Many thanks,
Where do you stand on quinoa (and the kitniyot ban) for Pesach?
Many thanks,
Tzippy
***
Dear 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
Rabbi Rashi Simon