Pesach 2008

Mechiras Chametz -Selling of the Chametz

A Jew who has chametz in his or her possession during Pesach transgresses the prohibition of הארי לב (it must not be seen) and אצמי לב (it must not be found). One may never derive any benefit from this chametz if he or she nullifies it.

Therefore, one who has more chametz in his or her possession then he or she is able to destroy is required to sell it to a non-Jew while the Jew is still allowed to have it in his possession. Only by selling the chametz prior to Pesach may a Jew buy the chametz back from a non-Jew and use it again after Pesach.

For the reasons stated above, Mechiras Chametz (the sale of Chametz) is not simply a ceremonial procedure but rather an actual and binding contract. For that purpose, one must sign a contract of sale called a "Power of Attorney," which allows a Rabbi to act on his behalf in selling his chametz to a non-Jew. The Mechiras Chametz procedure should only take a few minutes, and one should be prepared with the following information before coming to sell one’s chametz: The type of chametz one wishes to sell (e.g., groceries, liquor, over-the-counter chametz medications, toiletries, etc.), the exact location of the Chametz (e.g., kitchen, pantry, living room, cabinets, etc.), and the approximate value of the chametz.

The schedule for Mechiras Chametz this year is:

Download the Power of Attorney Document [PDF]
Download Pesach Guidelines 2008 [PDF]