Intriguing Questions & Answers for Pesach Preparations and Customs
Can Food Prepared Without Cleaning Rings Be Considered Kosher for Pesach?
Question: I’ve always meticulously cleaned my rings before preparing food for Pesach, as instructed by our Rav. This year, however, I realized too late that I had forgotten to clean my rings before starting my Pesach preparations. Given that even a tiny crumb of chametz renders food inedible for Pesach, what does this mean for the food I’ve prepared? Can it still be considered kosher for Pesach?
Answer: This is a common concern. Fundamentally, if chametz gets mixed into food before Pesach, it becomes nullified if the ratio is one part chametz to sixty parts food, making the food permissible for Pesach. The complication arises with the concept of “chozer v’neior,” which might re-activate previously nullified chametz during Pesach. However, non-edible chametz residue, such as that possibly left on rings, is not subject to this concern and remains nullified. Given the uncertainty of actual chametz presence on the rings and considering certain halachic opinions, the food prepared is permissible for Pesach consumption. Nonetheless, if a person did not clean their rings at all before Pesach and used them while preparing food on Pesach, it’s recommended to consult a Rav for guidance.
Ashkenazi-Sephardi Marriage: Can Ashkenazi Women Eat Kitniyos on Pesach?
Question: Coming from an Ashkenazi background, I have always refrained from eating kitniyos during Pesach. Now married to a Sephardi man, whose custom is to eat kitniyos, I’m unsure if I can maintain my family’s custom or if I should adopt my husband’s. What does halachah say about this situation?
Answer: Halachah generally dictates that a wife adopts her husband’s customs due to the principle of “ishto k’gufo” (his wife is like his own body). Therefore, an Ashkenazi woman married to a Sephardi man may eat kitniyos on Pesach. However, if this change proves difficult, the husband can release her from this obligation, allowing her to follow her family’s customs, even towards leniency. This flexibility also applies in reverse for a Sephardi woman in an Ashkenazi household. Regardless, maintaining separate utensils and dishes for kitniyos and non-kitniyos foods might be necessary.
Disclosing Ritalin Use in Shidduchim
Question: As Ritalin is commonly used to enhance focus in academic settings without indicating serious mental health issues, is it necessary to disclose its use when discussing potential shidduchim (marital matches)?
Answer: Disclosure depends on the context and timing. Ritalin use, specifically for improving concentration without addressing severe behavioral or mental health issues, is generally not seen negatively. It is advisable to disclose this information once the potential match seems promising to avoid early misconceptions. On the other hand, if directly asked about Ritalin use at any point, one should disclose it immediately. Each case is unique and should be discussed with a Rav for tailored guidance, as community norms vary.
This Q&A addresses common concerns related to Pesach preparations and customs, offering insights from Halachah. For further inquiries, feel free to reach out to Bais Horaah via email at halacha@kollellihoraah.org. To receive our weekly publications, email info@kollellihoraah.org.