Bdikat Chametz

Order of bedikat chametz

On the Passover eve, the night between Nisan 13th and 14th, chametz is searched for by candlelight.

It is important to note that bedikat chametz is not enough on its own; if there are any chametz foods left in the cupboards at home that you don’t want to throw away, you must sell your chametz that you plan to keep at home during the holiday.

The purpose of bedikat chametz

As we have learned (see Passover guide), the Torah forbids any chametz to be found in a Jewish home during the seven days of Passover.
The mitzvah is to burn the leaven bread as it says: “on the very first day you shall remove leaven from your houses”
Since it is customary to eat chametz at home all year round, chametz may be found in all kinds of places in the house.

It is important to clarify:

From the Torah, it is enough for a person to cancel and say with his mouth that he abandons the chametz, and thus, it is enough to be saved from the Torah’s prohibition.

Sages ruled that cancellation of chametz is not enough, and there are two reasons for that:

👉 The person might not abandon and forsake his chametz wholeheartedly.

👉 During Passover the person might follow his usual habits and unintentionally eat chametz.

Order of bedikat chametz today

Our sages set the time of bedikat chametz on the night of the 14th of Nisan.

In fact, today, it is customary to start the cleaning for Passover long before Passover eve; when the night of the 14th arrives, the house should already be clean, and in fact, the same cleanings during the month are part of the inspection.

Although the house is clean on the night of the 14th, the inspection must still be performed according to the sages’ rule.

The preparations for the inspection

For it to be possible to inspect the house properly, the home must be swept and washed close to the inspection.

After cleaning, ensure that the remaining of chametz is concentrated in a particular place in the house and will not spread after the house is already clean.

Before the inspection, it is customary to hide 10 chametz flakes so the person searching for the chametz flakes will actually find chametz and perform the mitzvha of bedikat chametz; it is necessary to ensure that they are adequately covered and do not crumble on the floor.

Bedikat chametz time

The halachic obligation is to search for the chametz immediately after the stars come out.

Where should I check?

All the places where there is concern that chametz might have been put in must be checked.

How do I check?

You must have a kit with a wax candle, a feather, and a spoon.

Before the examination say the following blessing:

״ברוך אתה ה׳ אלוקינו מלך העולם אשר קידשנו במצוותיו וציוונו על ביעור חמץ״

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu al biur hameitz.

Or, in translation:

Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us concerning the removal of chametz.

During bedikat chametz do not speak unless it is necessary for the inspection.
After the blessing, the owner of the house checks by candlelight and goes through the house’s rooms in all places, including holes and cracks.

The cancellation of chametz

After the inspection you cancel any unfound or overlooked chametz by saying bitul chametz.

Kosher and happy Passover to you and all of Israel

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Sell you chametz now online through our website.

You can also donate – Kimcha D’Pischa for needy families.