Pesach Hashomer
Click here to download the Pesach 2020 Hashomer
Dear Friends:
In the challenging circumstances that we are all grappling with, the Shul’s regular Hashomer newsletter will not be coming out in its standard format. Though we do plan on sending various parts of the publication, I did want to send out the parts which are Halachically relevant as soon as possible. I am also including some other documents which I normally distribute separately.
To facilitate convenient use, I wanted to give you a sense of what is included in this document, in the order in which it appears:
- From the cRc Pesach Book 2020 ‐ This is the CRC’s buying guide for what products do or don’t require Pesach certification.
- From the cRc Pesach Book 2020 ‐ This is the CRC’s basic halachic guidelines for the types of medicines, cosmetics, and toiletries that do or don’t need to be ascertained as Chametz free. This is a matter of much
halachic discussion, and I encourage you to follow the position of the CRC. - Star‐K Quick‐Pick Medicine List. This is a basic list the Star‐K makes available online of medications that are not Chametz concerns. I am of the opinion that not all the medications on this list need to be Chametz free, per the guidelines of the CRC. Please also be aware that this is only a partial list, and if you have further questions you should feel free to contact me closer to Pesach.
- Star‐K Quick‐Pick Personal Care List. This is a basic list the Star‐K makes available online of personal care items that are not Chametz concerns. Please see above regarding the CRC’s position.
- From the cRc Pesach Book 2020 ‐ This is a list based on the research of the OU provided by the CRC that provides information about medical nutritional supplements, infant formulas, and milk substitutes. Please note that these items, unless marked otherwise, should only be used if they have an OU, though not bearing any P marking. Also, most of these items are Kitniyos, which means that Ashkenazim should only use them if they are for an ill person or it’s very important for someone’s nutritional needs (young or old). Utensils in which these products have been used should be washed at a sink other than that at which standard Pesach utensils are washed.
- Star‐K Pet Food List. This is lists from the Star‐K regarding acceptable pet foods for Pesach use and FAQs on that issue.
- A review of appropriate kashering of kitchen appliances and other items for Pesach.
- From the cRc Pesach Book 2020 ‐ This is a list from the CRC of what types of countertops may be Kashered. This is a matter of much Halachic discussion, and I encourage you to follow the position of the CRC.
- A review of laws relevant to Erev Pesach.
- A very general review of measurements relevant for the Seder.
- A list of stores where Chametz may or may not be purchased after Pesach
Pesach is always a challenging holiday to prepare for, particularly this year. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at
rdrosenbaum@yise.org or 301‐593‐4465, ext. 405 or Rabbi Silver at 917‐363‐5840 or rbsilver@yise.org with any questions.
Chag Kasher Vesameach.
Rabbi Dovid Rosenbaum