Passover 5785

"On the evening of the fourteenth [of Nisan], one searches for chametz by the light of a candle [or, lamp]." (Pesachim 2a)

Searching for chametz - bedikat chametz - is a mitzvah for the evening before the first Seder, except when the first Seder falls on Saturday night (this year) - in that case, you conduct the search before Shabbat, on Thursday night. Someone in the house places ten pieces of chametz (such as bread, crackers, or cereal) in areas where chametz might normally be found. Someone in the house - ideally a different person, if there is one - says a blessing (...al bedikat chametz), then "searches" and collects the chametz using a lit candle or lamp (usually a flashlight). This can be a fun activity for kids! One tradition, illustrated here, is to use a feather to sweep the chametz into a wooden spoon. (See below for information about getting a kit!) But a napkin and paper plate are also perfectly fine; the goal is to have whatever touches the chametz be flammable.

At the end of the search, the chametz and anything that touched it are set aside, ready to be burnt in the morning. The final step is to recite a declaration nullifying any chametz that you missed. In the morning, you should recite a blessing for burning chametz (...al biur chametz), then burn your chametz and recite another declaration that any chametz you missed is nullified. (When the first Seder falls on Saturday night, you should burn the chametz on Friday morning - but if you plan to eat any chametz later on Friday, wait to recite the nullification formula until Saturday morning.)

Click here for a printable version of the blessings and declarations from Exploring Judaism.

Click here for a catchy kids' song about bedikat and biur chametz: "Feather, Candle, & Spoon" by Eliana Light.

Thanks to the Men's Club, copies of the Rabbinical Assembly Passover Guide and bedikat chametz kits are available in the synagogue office. Come in during office hours and pick one up!