This chapter focuses on:
- The mitzvah to destroy chametz
- Nullification (bitul)
- Searching for chametz (bedikat chametz)
- Which places require searching
- Cases involving mice, children, and doubtful chametz
- Responsibility for checking rented properties
Halachah 1 — The Mitzvah to Destroy Chametz
The Torah commands:
“On the first day, destroy leaven from your homes” (Exodus 12:15).
The Oral Tradition explains:
- “The first day” refers to the 14th of Nissan.
- Chametz must be destroyed before it becomes forbidden.
The Rambam cites another proof:
The Pesach sacrifice may not be slaughtered while chametz remains in one’s possession.
Since the Korban Pesach was slaughtered on the afternoon of the 14th, chametz must already be removed.
Halachah 2 — What Is Torah-Level Destruction?
According to the Rambam, the Torah’s definition of destruction is:
Bitul (Nullification)
A person must:
- Reject ownership mentally.
- Consider the chametz worthless.
- Regard it like dust.
In essence:
The Torah obligation is fulfilled by nullifying chametz in one’s heart.
Halachah 3 — Why We Also Search
The Sages added further requirements.
Besides nullification, one must:
- Search physically for chametz.
- Remove any chametz found.
- Search hidden places.
This is Bedikat Chametz.
When?
- Beginning of the night of the 14th of Nissan.
Why at Night?
Because:
- People are home.
- Candlelight is effective for searching.
The Rambam even forbids beginning an extended Torah study session beforehand lest one forget to search.
Halachah 4 — The Proper Light for Bedikah
Searching must be performed:
âś… With a candle.
Not with:
- Moonlight
- Sunlight
- A torch
Exception
Areas naturally illuminated by sunlight (such as porches) may be searched by daylight.
Courtyards
Open courtyards generally do not require searching because birds consume the crumbs found there.
Halachah 5 — Shared Walls
When a hole exists between two Jewish homes:
- Each neighbor searches as far as his hand reaches.
- Any inaccessible area is nullified mentally.
Between a Jew and a Non-Jew
No search is required.
Reason:
The non-Jew may suspect hostile or superstitious intentions.
Bitul alone is sufficient.
Halachah 6 — Which Places Must Be Checked?
General rule:
A place where chametz is not normally brought does not require searching.
Usually Exempt
- Roofs
- High holes
- Stables
- Chicken coops
- Haylofts
- Certain storage rooms
unless chametz was brought there.
Usually Required
Places where people commonly bring food:
- Beer storage rooms
- Frequently accessed wine cellars
- Salt rooms
- Candle storage
- Small-fish storage
- Similar areas
Halachah 7 — Mice and Realistic Assumptions
The Sages did not require endless concerns.
We do not constantly assume:
- Mice moved chametz everywhere.
Otherwise:
One could never finish searching.
But Certain Losses Matter
If ten loaves were left and only nine remain:
- A new search is required.
A mouse likely moved one.
Halachah 8 — Mouse Seen Carrying Chametz
If a mouse enters a searched home carrying chametz:
- A second search is required.
Even finding crumbs is insufficient proof that all the bread was eaten.
The loaf itself might still exist elsewhere in the house.
Halachah 9 — Child Carrying Bread
A more lenient ruling applies to children.
If:
- A child enters with bread.
- Crumbs are later found.
We assume:
- The child ate it.
- The crumbs came from the bread.
No new search is required.
Halachah 10–13 — Doubtful Cases
The Rambam analyzes many combinations involving:
- Chametz piles
- Matzah piles
- Mice
- Multiple houses
Key Principle
When the forbidden item’s location is clearly established (kavua):
→ We rule strictly.
When the item has already become separated from its original location:
→ We rule more leniently.
These chapters are foundational for many later principles of halachic doubt.
Halachah 14 — Difficult-to-Reach Chametz
Chametz on a High Beam
Must be removed.
Reason:
It may fall later.
Chametz in a Pit
Need not be retrieved.
Bitul is sufficient.
Halachah 15 — Chametz Incorporated Into Objects
Examples:
Yeast Used as a Seat
If covered with plaster:
- It is considered destroyed.
Dough in Cracks
If there is:
- A full olive-sized amount → destroy it.
Smaller amounts may sometimes be ignored if serving a structural purpose.
Halachah 16 — Small Scattered Pieces
Regarding tiny amounts stuck to walls or structures:
The Rambam is generally lenient.
When the pieces are:
- Separated,
- Minor,
- Not practically usable,
bitul is sufficient.
Halachah 17 — Who Can Perform the Search?
Everyone may perform Bedikat Chametz, including:
- Women
- Slaves
- Minors old enough to understand the task
Furthermore:
If a woman or child says the search was done,
their testimony is accepted.
Halachah 18 — Rented Property
Responsibility depends on possession of the keys.
Before Transfer of Keys
The landlord searches.
After Transfer of Keys
The tenant searches.
Even if a house was rented under the assumption it had been checked and later turns out not to have been:
- The tenant must search.
- The rental is not considered a mistaken transaction.
Reason:
The search is a mitzvah.
Halachah 19 — Travelers and Storage Rooms
A person leaving home within thirty days of Pesach:
- Must search before departure.
Especially if there is a possibility he may return before Pesach.
Storage Rooms
If a room will be filled with stored goods before Pesach:
- It often must be searched before being filled.
The determining factors are:
- Timing
- Whether access will later be available
- Whether Pesach use is anticipated