Pesach: Sprouting legumes (kitniyut) on Pesach
Question
I'm performing my national service at the Science Garden, and we are planning an activity for Pesach about trees, burning, and renewal. We would also like to hold a workshop on sprouting seeds. Is it possible to sprout legumes (beans, hummus, lentils, peas, etc.)? Are legumes forbidden only to eat, or are all the prohibitions that pertain to chametz apply also to legumes?
Answer
Rabbi Yehuda HaLevy Amichay
Legumes are forbidden (to Jews of Ashkenazi descent) only for consumption, but it is permitted to buy and sell legumes. However, in the situation you mentioned, if there is a concern that they will be eaten, this will be prohibited. When no such concern exists, it is possible to do this.