Q&A

We went for a nature hike and the kids gathered sheaves of wheat. Is it permissible to keep these sheaves for decoration, even during Pesach, or is it considered chametz gamur? What should we do with all the sheaves?

Are we supposed to sell products what include wheat protein or wheat flour (soup mix, for example) with the chametz?

Does one fulfill the obligation of maror grown hydroponically?

Is the mitzvah of taking challah tied to the Land of Israel? Does it apply abroad? Could you also please tell me, in short, what laws and procedures are involved in this mitzvah?

I saw on your website your responsum where you permitted soaking Chasalat leaves on Shabbat in soapy water, and said that you don’t have to worry about killing insects. You didn’t relate to the prohibition of borer (like soaking vetch). Is borer an issue here?

Can one say birkat ha’ilanot on trees grafted in a forbidden fashion?

Can I juice leafy vegetables not grown with special insect-free supervision, using a juicer for hard fruits and vegetables? The juicer grinds the flesh of the fruit/vegetable, and then separates the flesh from the juice by a centrifuge and a fine filter. The filter holes are extremely fine and rarely, if at all, does fruit or vegetable bits mix in with the juice. Note that in order to produce a little bit of juice a lot of vegetables are needed, so the cost of using supervised insect-free leafy vegetables for this purpose is very high.

I received a kit for growing garden rocket at home. I know that there are many complications related to growing leafy vegetables. What can I do so I can eat the leaves that grow? Is there some sort of pesticide that I can use? Or a net? Also, how should I check the leaves so I don’t transgress the prohibitions involved in eating insects? Thank you!

Is it permissible to graft several types of citrus fruit (tangerine, lemon, orange, etc.) onto one tree?

I grow different types of berries. Can I graft a blueberry onto a strawberry tree (they are from the same family).