Passover Articles
Thou Shalt Steal- The Afikoman
FOR JEWISH CHILDREN, “stealing” the afikoman and its subsequent ransom has been a Seder highlight for many generations. What is the basis for this seemingly odd custom? Do we wish to teach our children to act (even if only on this night) contrary to one of the most basic ethical principles? And then, as if […]
K’zayit. Just an Olive?
“I had to eat sooo much matzah!” That’s a response I often get from people when I inquire about their Seder night experience. Just as many mitzvot have distinct specifications in order to be performed correctly, eating matzah on Pesach has a prescribed time and minimum size requirement. Another obligation of eating matzah, though, is […]
Showering on Yom Tov-Is It Permitted?
The Shulchan Aruch (OC 260:1) directs us to bathe each Friday in preparation for Shabbat. This year, those of us living outside of Eretz Yisrael will welcome Shabbat after a full 48 hours of yom tov. Most of us (if not all) would be inclined, if so permitted, to shower in honor of Shabbat. What […]
OU-P 2020
The OU continues to give certification to Passover Quinoa. Quinoa will be available with an OU- P from Goldbaum, Pereg, and La Bonne. La Bonne will also have OU-P chia seeds. Pereg will also be selling quinoa flour. The OU will also continue certifying OU Kitniyot retail items as it did last year. Flaum’s will […]
On These Days & Nights Even the Brachos May Be Different
ON PESACH WE ARE COMPELLED TO SIGNIFICANTLY MODIFY OUR DIETS. Although at times the foods we eat on Pesach will look similar to those we eat the rest of the year (and sometimes even share a similar name), the ingredients can be vastly different. We trade in our bread for matzah and we replace flour […]
Introducing GE Shabbos Keeper
USING THE SHABBOS KEEPER WITH KOSHER SHABBOS OVENS OU Kosher and its technology division are delighted to announce the GE Shabbos Keeper (powered by Zman Technologies) for ovens, available March 1, 2020. This device revolutionizes our ability to utilize GE ovens for Shabbat and yom tov in new ways and with an ease never before possible—all halachically […]
Extra Hours for Passover 2020
We are offering the following extended hours for our hotline before Pesach 5780/2020: Late evenings Wed April 1, Thu April 2, Mon April 6, Tue April 7: 5pm to 6pm: Sunday April 5: 10am to 12pm Erev Pesach April 8: 10am to 1pm Call us at: 212 613 8241
Gluten Free Matzot
Regretfully, because one can only perform the mitzvah of eating matzot at the Seder with a matzah that is made from one of the five varieties of grain (barley, wheat, rye, oats, and spelt), eating matzot using any of the other flours that are gluten free would still not enable one to fulfill the mitzvah. […]
Why Do Decaffeinated Coffee and Tea Need Passover Certification?
Regular, unflavored coffee or black tea are considered kosher for Passover without a special certification, but the same is not true for decaffeinated teas and coffees. Rabbi Elefant explains the decaffeination process and what makes it problematic for Passover.
What Foods Don’t Require Certification?
While it’s recommended you use food on Passover that has a specific kosher for Passover certification, what, if any, foods don’t need it?