cutting down fruit tree

Fruit Tree Follow-Up

Dear Rabbi Simon, Our sycamore tree blew down in a recent storm causing significant damage to our neighbour’s patio.  If our pear tree were to fall down in another storm it would probably fall on the house itself.  Our Tree Surgeon has recommended removing it as a preventative measure although it was not damaged this storm. As per your instruction…

Questions & Answers
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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
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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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