Hello Rabbi,
I know that we are almost on Pesach but I hope you can answer my questions:
1. The rice and beans that I bought say that the may have traces of gluten (wheat). Is this an issue and is considered having chametz or just by washing them it is fine?
2. Iodized fluoridated salt is a problem?
3. Is maltodextrin a problem?
4. If we need to buy any groceries during Chol Hamoed can we rely on ingredients with no concerns?
5. Can you eat in regular restaurants during Chol Hamoed if necessary? If so, what may be the concerns if the place sells Chametz and which precautions we need?
6. We have a gas stove that starts with an electric spark. Can I start it directly on Tom Tov without the need of a previous flame?
7. If the answer to starting a flaming in my electric gas stove is yes. Can I use such a flame to light Yom Tov candles?
8. Can I tidy the house or clean it during Yom Tov even if it may be for the next day as well? How can I clean spills of liquids avoiding squeezing?
Thank you!
Pesach Questions & Answers
1. Rice and beans that say “may contain traces of wheat” — is that a problem?
No. That statement is for allergy purposes, not because wheat is actually an ingredient. If wheat were an actual ingredient, it would have to be listed in the ingredients. “May contain” usually means dust from shared equipment, which is an extremely small amount and halachically batel. Today, rice and beans are cleaned very well in factories, and you can use them straight from the package. There is no need to wash or check them.
2. Iodized / fluoridated salt — is it a problem?
No problem.
3. Is maltodextrin a problem?
No, not a problem.
4. If we need to buy groceries during Chol HaMoed, can we rely on ingredient lists?
Yes. You can rely on the ingredient list.
5. Can you eat in regular restaurants during Chol HaMoed if necessary? What are the concerns?
If the restaurant understands gluten allergy and they are willing to commit that the food will be completely gluten-free and they will be careful about cross-contamination, then it is permitted and you can eat there. If they are not careful about gluten and cross-contamination, then it becomes complicated and should be avoided.
6. Gas stove with electric spark — can I start it on Yom Tov without a pre-existing flame?
Yes, you can.
7. Can I use that flame to light Yom Tov candles?
Yes.
8. Can I clean or tidy the house on Yom Tov, even for the next day? How can I clean spills without squeezing?
Yes, the house should be kept clean. Cleaning spills is permitted. The issue of squeezing is only when you are squeezing liquid in order to use the liquid elsewhere (for example, using a wet sponge to spread water around). When you are cleaning a spill, your goal is to remove the liquid, not to use the liquid, so you do not need to worry about squeezing.