Q: Can one use toothpaste, lipstick, or medicines which may have a Hametz ingredient on Pessah? Answered by Rabbi Moshe Pinhasi A: Anything that is unsuitable for the consumption of a dog prior to Pessah, may be kept in one’s possession but is nevertheless forbidden to eat MiD’Rabbanan[1]. With regards to toothpaste, lipstick and the like, since one does not intend on … [Read more...]
Flashlight for Bedikat Hametz
Q: Can one use a flashlight for Bedikat Hametz? Answered by Rabbi David Ani A: It is advisable to use a candle for a few minutes following the Beracha, after which one can then put it out and use a small flashlight for the rest to the search[1]. Sources: [1] השו"ע (ס' תלג ס"ב) פסק שיש לבדוק דוקא לאור נר שעוה, ודעת גדולי הפוסקים [שו"ת יחו"ד (ח"א ס"ד) ובחזו"ע (פסח, … [Read more...]
Light On for Bedikat Hametz
Q: Does one have to turn off the lights for Bedikat Hametz? Answered by Rabbi David Ani A: No[1]. Sources: [1] חזו"ע (הל' פסח עמ' מ) אול"צ (ח"ג פ"ז ס"ז) ועוד, ומה שאמרו (חולין ס:) שאור הנר אינו מועיל ביום, היינו משום דעכ"פ הנר מאיר בחורים וסדקים, אבל במקומות הגלויים אור החשמל יפה ממנו, דלא גרע ממי שלא בדק בלילה שבודק ביתו ביום לאור הנר, ואפי' שיש בבית הרבה אור, וכן … [Read more...]
Checking Books for Hametz
Q: Must one check their books for crumbs of Hametz? Answered by Rabbi David Ani A: While some Poskim[1] worry about finding crumbs in one’s books, especially books that are placed on the table with food from time to time, however, it has never been the Sephardic custom to be concerned about this[2]. Sources: [1] הגר"א במעשה רב אות קעח, וכן מובא שעשו החזו"א … [Read more...]
Birkat Ha’Ilanot for Women, Not During Nissan
Q: Do women recite Birkat Ha’Ilanot? Can one recite Birkat Ha’Ilanot after Nissan? Answered by Rabbi Moshe Pinhasi A: Women may also recite Birkat Ha’Ilanot[1] as many Poskim maintain that one may recite the Beracha even after Nissan if there are still blossoming trees[2], thus, it would not be considered a time-bound Mitzva. Even according to the opinions that one may … [Read more...]