Ask the Rav: Your Questions - Our Answers
A global inbox meets timeless wisdom. Ask the Rav is a series built entirely on authentic questions sent from Jews around the world — from Brooklyn to Be’er Sheva, Melbourne to Manchester. Each question is a real-life dilemma, curiosity, or challenge answered with thoughtful and grounded halachic guidance.
Q&A
Answer:
Yes, it is permitted. After the conclusion of Sukkot, all four species become permissible for benefit. Planting them and deriving benefit—whether for mundane purposes or for future years—is no different from any other permitted use.
Sources:
See Michaber 665:1; Rebbe Yochanon in Sukkah 46b; See Admur 649:20
Question:
I used a dairy cutting board to cut an onion with a meat knife. What is the status of the onion, the cutting board, and the knife?
Answer:
While this matter is subject to some debate among the poskim, the practical ruling is that everything remains kosher. All that is required is to wash the knife and cutting board thoroughly with soap and water.
Sources:
See Chochmas Adam 56:2; Tuv Taam Vadaas 3:215; Daas Torah 96; Sefer Yehoshua Pesakim Ukesavim 122, brought in Daas Torah 96 [p. 260]; See Sefer Hakashrus 10:110; Sefer Davar Charif 1:13 footnote 57; See our corresponding Sefer The Practical Laws of Meat & Milk Chapter 5 Halacha 3!
Question:
I cooked a can of beans and discovered two worms inside. Am I required to discard the entire can, and must I continue checking for more worms?
Answer:
According to the letter of the law, the can is not considered infested unless three worms are found. Therefore, you are not obligated to discard the entire can or continue searching. However, for aesthetic and practical reasons, it is advisable to inspect further before consuming.
Sources:
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