On Passover, Jews are commanded to get rid of all “chametz” (leaven) which may be in their possession. To confirm the effectiveness of these efforts, a special search for chametz, called Bedikat Chametz, is conducted on the night before the seder. (*When the first Seder is Saturday night, Bedikat Chametz is performed on the previous Thursday night.)

Bedikat Chametz begins shortly after nightfall. Once the search begins, a blessing is recited (see below), after which no talking is permitted with the exception of conversation pertaining to the search itself. Traditionally, the search is conducted by the light of a candle, in order to enable a thorough inspection of all the nooks and crannies (a flashlight may also be used). Among Ashkenazi Jews, it is also customary to use a feather to “sweep” any chametz crumbs into a paper bag.

Sometimes getting into the right frame of mind for the search may be difficult, especially if the house has already been thoroughly cleaned for Passover. In order to make certain that the blessing over the search is not said in vain, there is a custom to have someone else carefully “hide” ten pieces of chametz (for instance 10 pieces of pretzel wrapped in foil) in the rooms which will be searched. The search will thus be more diligent, and will not conclude until all the rooms have been checked and the 10 pieces found.

When the search is over, a general declaration is made, stating that any unknown chametz is hereby declared “ownerless.” The chametz is set aside to be burned the following morning. One may, however, put aside chametz to eat for breakfast (and Shabbat meals when Passover begins Saturday night), making sure to clean up any leftovers and to add them to the collection of chametz afterwards.

Please note that there are many situations (for example, someone who is renting a room in a house that is not being cleaned for Passover), where it would be best to consult with a rabbi to determine how to proceed.

The Prayers of “Bedikat Chametz”

Blessing before the search:

Ba’ruch ah’tah Ah’do’nai, Eh’lo’hay’nu melech ha’o’lam, ah’sher kidishanu b’mitz’vo’tav v’tzee’vanu ahl Bee’oor chametz.

“Blessed are you Lord, our God, Ruler of the world, Who sanctifies us through His commandments and commanded us concerning the removal of chametz.”

Annulment of Ownership of Unknown chametz (recited after the search is concluded):

Kol chameera va’chamee’ah, d’eeka veer’shootee, d’lah cha’zee’tay, ood’la vee’ar’tay, ood’lah y’dah’nah lay. lee’bah’tayl v’leh’heh’vay hef’ker k’aphra d’arah.

“Any chametz or leaven that is in my possession which I have not seen, have not removed and do not know about, should be annulled and become ownerless, like the dust of the earth.”

This Treat is reposted in honor of Passover.

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