Passover 2016: More Foods Declared Kosher For Conservative Jews

Jewish vegetarians – as well as those who enjoy their legumes - will have an expanded menu this Passover holiday thanks to a newly approved list of kosher foods.

When Passover begins on Friday, many Jewish celebrants may find themselves eating previously forbidden foods such as rice and beans due to a policy change handed down by the religion’s Conservative movement in November.

Since the 13th century, Ashkenazi Jews have been prohibited from eating foods known as kitniyot – which includes rice, corn, peanuts, beans and other legumes - during Passover.

Under the new guidelines, Ashkenazi Jews will be able to partake in meals that include sushi, hummus, corn flakes or other previously banned items.

Leavened foods called hametz - which include grains such as wheat, barley, oats, rye and spelt – are still prohibited during Passover.

The move is partly due to the growing popularity of gluten-free and vegan diets, said Rabbi Elliot Dorff, chair of the Conservative movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards.

Passover 2016 ends on Saturday, April 30.

Photo by Jeremy Keith via Flickr Commons