Taking Medication on a Fast Day

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Dear Rabbi Simon
WRT to the upcoming Fast (of Esther): I intend to fast, however I am prone to migraine headaches. These can get progressively worse on a fast day (but I will get through it). What are the rules around taking some pills?
Mike

Dear Mike,
If you can swallow a pill without water there is no problem at all in taking it. If the discomfort is intense you may take it with a small amount of water eg an ounce or two. If this is insufficient let me know and we can discuss other options. (The Fast of Esther is less severe than other fasts, so if you need to break your fast, you may do so. However strictly speaking you may need to make it up on another day.)
Best wishes
Rabbi Rashi Simon

Previous Nursing and Fasting on Yom Kippur
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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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