Visiting Hampton Court Palace Chapel

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Dear Rabbi Simon,
I would like to visit Hampton Court Palace while I’m in London but I’m not sure if, as Jews, we are forbidden to visit the Palace because there is a chapel there. Would it be OK to visit the palace but avoid the chapel?
Thank you,
Courtney

Dear Courtney
Thank you for your question.
You may visit the Hampton Court Palace site in general, but you should avoid entering the Chapel Royal itself (even just as a tourist), as it remains a functioning church.  There is plenty to see in the rest of Hampton Court Palace. You won’t feel deprived by missing the chapel! I hope you have a great time.
Best wishes
Rabbi Rashi Simon

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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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