As Israel and the Jewish world welcome Passover this week, many are not quite sure about the precise rules governing the holiday both in terms of dietary restrictions, times of observance, and the degree to which one has to keep kosher.
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While each person has their own way to celebrate, we at Israel Hayom would like to provide you with the latest information we have gathered, including input from Rabbi Yitzhak Dvir from the organization Kosharot, which seeks to inform people on various matters pertaining to Jewish law and kashrut.
Q: When can you start eating chametz (leavened goods) again?
In Israel, the holiday will end on April 22, after the stars come out. This year it ends on Friday evening, meaning that no baking would be allowed if you keep Shabbat, but eating of chametz that had been sold to a non-Jew would be permitted from that point onwards. Ashkenazi Jews can also resume eating legumes. Here are the exact times: Jerusalem 7:50 p.m.; Tel Aviv: 7:52 p.m.; Haifa 7:53 p.m.; Beersheba 7:51 p.m.
Q: Can I take my medicine during the holiday?
Any drug that you are instructed to take by your doctor and any medication that is necessary to prevent danger to your health, including antibiotics or substances necessary to prepare for an important surgery are allowed. You might want to ask your doctor if there is an equivalent drug that is kosher-for-Passover and meets your condition.
Q: If I am not sick and don't have orders from my doctor, can I still take vitamins, supplements and other forms of medication?
If you are otherwise healthy and have no instruction to take them, then you should check whether they are kosher for Passover.
Q: Do I need to use kosher-for-Passover cleaning detergents and disposable tableware?
The only clearing substance that you should ensure that it is indeed kosher-for-Passover is your dishwashing liquid because sometimes residues get left on the dishes. Disposable tableware from plastic and aluminum is generally considered kosher-for-Passover, as is baking sheets, cling wrap, aluminum foil, plastic bags and paper towels. However, if you are using tablecloths and gloves, you should be aware that sometimes those that are made of nylon also contain various forms of starch powders, which in many cases is considered chametz. Likewise, tableware from cardboard could also contain chametz in rare instances.
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