Dear Rabbi Simon My family have asked about the practice of kissing the mezuzah, in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. What are your thoughts on this? Many thanks in advance. Malka Dear Malka TY for your question. The Israeli Chief Rabbi David Lau has ruled/advised that one should refrain from kissing the mezuzah due to the threat of COVID-19. His…
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