grapes

May I recite Havdalah on Grapes?

Dear Rabbi Simon I was looking at the sugar content of the grape juice I used to say Havdalah and was wondering if there is a healthier alternative.  I am reluctant to use wine as I drive after Shabbat.  If I can say Havdalah on grape juice, why can’t I say it on grapes? Similar question for Kiddush and Seder…

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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