By Mord Maman
Before we even take a bite into Matza or take a sip from one of the four cups of wine, Jews get into the Pesach mood by clearing out the Chametz from their homes.
Chametz refers to food prepared from any of these five types of grain, Wheat, Barley, Oats, Spelt and Rye which has had a chance to leaven. For example, you Challah on Shabbat? Chametz. That ice cold Carlsberg? Chametz. That crisp Rakusens Matza? Not Chametz!
The Torah has several commandments regarding Chametz on Pesach. We are commanded to remove Chametz from our homes, we are prohibited from owning Chametz and are instructed not to eat or benefit from Chametz over Pesach. These restrictions kick in mid-morning on the eve of Pesach and last until Pesach goes out over a week later.
The night before Pesach we carry out Bedikat Chametz, a search for Chametz. Using a candle, feather, wooden spoon and bag have a look for any Chametz in your home. If your Pesach cleaning operation has gone to plan there shouldn't be any Chametz to be found, so we customarily hide some wrapped up pieces of Chametz around the house to find during the search.
Before the search make this blessing.
(Transliterated Hebrew)
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, Asher kideshanu bemitzvotav, Vetzivanu al biur Chametz
(Translated)
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, And commanded us about removing the Chametz.
After the search recite
(Transliterated Hebrew)
Kol Chamira veChami’a deika birshuti, delo chazitei udelo biartei, livtil ulehavi hefker keafra deara.
(Translated)
All Chametz and leaven in my possession that I have not seen and have not eliminated shall be nullified and become ownerless, like the dust of the earth.
There are three ways to rid ourselves of Chametz.
Biur Chametz: Any Chametz you have left over before Passover should be destroyed. Biur literally means "burning" and if you choose to destroy your chametz this way please do so responsibly.
Bittul Chametz: To nullify ones Chametz. Recite this passage
(Transliterated Hebrew)
Kol Chametz u-se’or she-yesh bi-rshuti, she-re’itiv ve-shelo re’itiv, she-bi’artiv ve-shelo bi’artiv, yivatel ve-yehei hefker ke-afar ha-aretz.
(English)
All Chametz and leaven in my possession that I have seen and that I have not seen, that I have destroyed and that I have not destroyed, shall be nullified and become ownerless, like the dust of the earth.
Mechirat Chametz: Selling the Chametz. This is done for the Chametz we weren't able to consume and didn't want to destroy before Pesach (like that 15 year old Glenlivet). Put All your chametz in one place, sealed away for the duration of Pesach and sell it. If you need assistance selling your Chametz, email ask@aish.org.uk
Wishing you a happy and Kosher Pesach.
Don't forget, if you have any questions feel free to email us at ask@aish.org.uk
