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Q. My roommate isn’t cleaning up his Chametz, what should I do?

A. The Torah only forbids “your” Chametz, but not “other people’s” chametz (Talmud Psachim 6b, based on the addition of “to you” in the verse). Chametz that you are responsible for, although it belongs to someone else, is also considered … Read the rest

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Q. Can I sell the Chametz myself (w/o the Rabbi) to a non-Jewish friend?

A. The form you fill out to give to the Rabbi is not the actual sale document, it only authorizes the Rabbi to act as your agent. The document the Rabbi uses is a complex legal document that ensures that … Read the rest

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Q. Why are Sefardic Jews allowed to eat Rice on Passover?

A. The question is the other way around: Why can’t Ashkenasic Jews (of European descent) eat Rice, which is not included in the Torah or Talmud’s definition of Chametz? The answer to that is, European Rabbis of more than a … Read the rest

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Q. Why does Coke need to be Kosher for Pesach, is there leaven in there?

A. All kosher foods, especially for Passover require reliable kosher certification, due to a multitude of reasons including flavors, additives and equipment. Reading the label is never enough. But Coke has a different problem. All year long Coke uses Corn … Read the rest

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Q. In the Purim Packet you distributed on campus you gave a different reason for eating Hamantaschen than the one I always heard?

A. You’re right. What I wrote about G-d’s concealment in the Purim story represented by the hidden filling peeking out, and the 3 sides of the dough coming together as the story’s parts come together fitting perfectly is not the … Read the rest

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Q. Is it true that Purim Food Gifts need to have one sweet & one baked item? 

A. Not exactly, but I see where you’re coming from. It is customary to send a minimum of 2 food items, known as “Mishloach Manot” to at least one friend on the Purim holiday. The foods are supposed to be … Read the rest

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Q. Why do we drink Hot Cider only on Sukkot?

A. Glad you liked it. We serve Hot Cider in the Shabbos House Sukkah only because we’re eating outdoors and it’s cold out that time of year. Aside for a local connection there’s no deeper significance behind our “custom”. Upstate … Read the rest

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Q. Can Jews own Nabisco (cookie maker) stocks over Passover?

A.   Interesting question. Though shareholders own a “little piece” of the company, unless they’re on the board of directors they don’t have much say. Which leads many Rabbis to say that it is considered indirect ownership and is permitted. Some … Read the rest

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Q. Why are the Menorah’s lights supposed to be in a straight row (not of varying heights)?

A. The number of candles lit each night is supposed to be clearly discernable to an onlooker from a distance (which is why we light the Menorah at the window or door). That’s why they are supposed to be in … Read the rest

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Q. Why mess with Chanukah candles? Why not light an Electric Menorah?

A. Electric Menorahs serve a great purpose of getting the Chanukah message out, and as the Talmud says: “publicize the miracle”. But sorry, an electric menorah is no substitute for good ol’ candles or oil. They’re closer to the original … Read the rest

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