Dear Rabbi Simon, I was wondering why you are starting the fast of 17 Tamuz (this past Tuesday 11 July 2017) at 3.43 am, when most sources I can find say 1.35am? Regards Steven Dear Steven The simple answer to your question is that I am following the straightforward approach of Dawn = 72 minutes before sunrise. Others calculate based…
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
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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