The Committee of Jewish Laws and Standards (CLJS) of the Conservative movement determined that it is permitted, for both Sephardi and Ashkenazi Jews, to eat kitniyot (legumes) on Passover:
These foods included: beans, corn, millet, peas, rice, soy, and some other plant based foods like mustard, buckwheat and sesame seeds.
The issue was discussed in the most recent Pesach Guide published by The Rabbinical Assembly (RA), the organization that represents Conservative rabbis, following the submission and discussion of a teshuva (legal responsum) on this question, submitted by Rabbi Avram Reisner. The guide presents in clear and unambiguous terms the various issues we confront as we prepare for and observe Passover.
Legumes, or kitniyot, historically have been on the list of prohibited foods for Jews of Ashkenazi dissent. Jews of Sephardi dissent have always included legumes in their Passover menus. Until this year, the CJLS position on legumes (for Ashkenazim) has followed that of the longstanding Ashkenazi tradition.
Hebrew label indicating “Parve and Kosher for
Passover for those who eat legumes.”
Over the past several years, the question of Ashkenazim and the permissibility of eating legumes has been re-opened to study. In the fall of 2015 the CJLS passed two responsa that permit the consumption of legumes for Ashkenazim.
This permission does not require any changes to your traditional Passover practices.
