Passover Halacha Q&A: Music, Chametz, Kitniyot and More

Is it permitted to listen to music during Chol HaMoed Passover even though the Omer count has already begun.

Answer:
During Chol HaMoed the customs of mourning are not observed, and it is permitted to listen to music.

A friend and I argued about Passover kashrut. She claims that it is permissible to leave chametz food in the refrigerator and in the pantry that is used daily, as long as it is covered with towels. Is this correct?

Answer:
Chametz may not be left in your possession without being sold to a non-Jew. If the chametz has indeed been sold, it must be covered in a way that it will not be revealed.

When cleaning for Passover, is it necessary to empty the entire refrigerator and throw everything away? 

Answer:
Items that are not chametz may remain in the home. However, anything that is chametz and was not sold to a non-Jew must be burned.

Is Passover certification required for liquid hand soap and shampoo?

Answer:
Soap and shampoo do not require Passover certification.

My sister has a dog, and its food is not kosher for Passover. What should be done? May she continue feeding the dog that food?

Answer:
Since it is forbidden to benefit from chametz on Passover and also forbidden to keep chametz in one’s possession, the dog should not be fed regular chametz food. The chametz should be sold to a non-Jew before Passover, and Passover-approved dog food can be obtained.

Are pumpkin seeds and flax seeds kosher for Passover?

Answer:
They are not chametz, but they require special Passover certification due to concerns about added preservatives or similar mixtures.

Is it necessary to replace toothbrushes for Passover?

Answer:
It is very proper to replace the toothbrush.

Do the following products require Passover certification: shampoo, conditioner, creams, cleaning products, hand or body lotion, makeup (excluding lipstick), and disposable utensils?

Answer:
None of the items you listed require Passover certification, since they are not fit for eating.

What is the source of the custom or law not to eat legumes (kitniyot) on Passover? 

Answer:
The prohibition of legumes is a decree established by Ashkenazic sages. If your husband’s parents ate legumes, you may continue to eat legumes, even though earlier generations were stricter. For very young children, one may certainly be lenient with legumes.

The answers were given by Rabbi Menashe Yisrael and Rabbi Binyamin Shmueli, collected and edited from the Q&A section of the Hidabroot website.