Q: When Pessah night falls out on Shabbat – as it does this year – do we recite the Beracha Me’en Sheva in the synagogue? Answered by Rabbi Moshe Pinhasi A: Most Poskim[1] are of the opinion that this blessing, which is recited for extra protection on Lel Shabbat, should be omitted on Pessah night which is in itself a Lel Shimurim – a night of protection. This, despite … [Read more...]
Hametz in Medicines and Cosmetics
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...]
The Great Search
An Overview of the Laws of Bedikat Hametz By Rabbi David Ani, Rav of Congregation Bet-El and the Abraham Ohabi program and professional Mohel, Brooklyn The Prohibition of Owning Hametz The Torah in Parashat Bo writes: “On the first month, in the evening of the fourteenth day, you shall eat Matzot, until the twenty first of the month in the evening. For seven days, no leaven … [Read more...]
Corporate Hametz: What Business Owners Need to Know
By Dayan Shmuel Honigwachs There are numerous Pessah issues associated with businesses, some of which people may not even be aware of. To name just a few, one who sells food items through Amazon or on consignment, or owns a facility that serves Hametz, would be well advised to research the Halachic ramifications of these types of businesses. Selling Hametz on Amazon Buying … [Read more...]
Thick Matzot Part 2: The Back Story
Behind the scenes of the thick Matzah discussion and its unlikely relation to some of the well-known Pessah stringencies / By Rabbi Ariel Ovadia Preface In our previous article we cited the opinion of the Bet Yosef that a Matzah may be baked as thick as a Tefah [appx. 3-4 inches]. Some Aharonim, such as the Bet Hillel, peg the limit at an Etzba [appx. ½ inch]. Our thick … [Read more...]