shema

Rise and Shine

Dear Rabbi Simon I would like to know what’s better when it comes to morning prayers (ie Shema and Amidah). Is it better to pray first thing in the morning in my PJ’s after brushing teeth when I just wake up which is around 6:00am, or is it better to pray after my morning routine which includes exercising, shower, dressing, etc. which…

Shacharit: Running Late and Catching Up

Dear Rabbi Simon, A quick question for you- based on my experience this morning in shul. If one arrives late and has to choose between davening on his own from start to finish, or joining the tzibur at Borchu (I had my tephillin on and completed all morning blessings as they reached Borchu) and then benefiting from davening Shema/Amidah together with…

Fringe Benefits for Lefties

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…

Davening Catch Up

Dear Rabbi Simon, If the minyan davens too fast for me and I have to prioritise my Pesukei D’zimra in order to time it that I say Shema and Amidah with the minyan, when is best to catch up the parts of P’sukei D’zimra? Can I do this during repetition of Amidah? Thanks Ratz K’Tzvi Hi Zvi Good question. The…

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
***
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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