This chapter explains the practical process of:
- Searching for chametz (Bedikat Chametz)
- Nullifying chametz (Bitul)
- Destroying chametz (Biur Chametz)
- What to do if chametz is found later
- Special cases involving Shabbat, travel, rentals, and emergencies
Halachah 1 – After the Search
After searching on the night of the 14th of Nissan:
- Gather all discovered chametz into one place.
- Keep it until the beginning of the sixth hour the next day.
- Then destroy it.
One may choose to destroy it immediately on the night of the 14th.
Halachah 2 – Guarding Remaining Chametz
Chametz kept for eating on the morning of the 14th should be:
- Stored carefully,
- Kept in one designated place.
Reason:
If some goes missing, one may have to search the house again because mice might have moved it.
Halachah 3 – When the 14th Falls on Shabbat
When Erev Pesach is Shabbat:
Search
- Bedikat Chametz is performed Thursday night (the night of the 13th).
Destruction
- Most chametz is destroyed before Shabbat.
Retained
- Only enough chametz for Shabbat meals is kept.
If chametz remains after the fourth hour on Shabbat:
- Nullify it.
- Cover it.
- Destroy it after Yom Tov when permitted.
Halachah 4 – Terumah Chametz
If chametz consists of terumah loaves:
Different categories are burned separately:
- Pure terumah
- Impure terumah
- Doubtful terumah
They should not be mixed together before burning.
Halachah 5 – Missed the Search?
If someone forgot Bedikat Chametz:
Search:
- Morning of the 14th.
- If missed, during the destruction period.
- If missed, during Pesach.
- If missed, even after Pesach.
After Pesach:
- One searches to destroy chametz that remained in his possession during the holiday, since such chametz is forbidden for benefit.
Halachah 6 – The Blessing
Before searching, one recites:
“Blessed are You… Who commanded us concerning the destruction of chametz.”
This blessing is recited when searching:
- At night,
- On the 14th by day,
- During Pesach.
Not after Pesach.
Halachah 7 – The Declaration of Bitul
After the search one says:
“All chametz in my possession that I have not seen is nullified and considered as dust.”
This applies only before the sixth hour.
After the sixth hour:
- Bitul no longer helps.
Halachah 8 – Why Bitul Must Be Done Early
If one failed to nullify chametz before the sixth hour:
And later discovers valuable chametz:
- He violates Bal Yera’eh and Bal Yimatzeh.
- Bitul can no longer remove the prohibition.
Even though he may no longer benefit from the chametz, the Torah still treats it as his responsibility.
If Found on Yom Tov
Cover it and destroy it after the festival day ends.
Halachah 9 – Remembering Chametz While Away
Suppose a person remembers he still owns chametz after leaving home.
If Traveling For A Mitzvah
If returning would seriously interfere:
- He may rely on bitul.
Life-Saving Missions
Examples:
- Fire
- Flood
- Rescue work
Only bitul is required.
Personal Business
He must return and remove the chametz.
Minimum Size Requiring Return
The Rambam gives:
The size of an egg (kebeitzah).
Less than that:
- Bitul is sufficient.
Halachah 10 – Forgotten Dough
If dough was left at home and may become chametz:
Before it ferments:
- It may be nullified.
After it becomes chametz:
- Bitul is no longer effective.
- It must be destroyed physically.
Halachah 11 – Methods of Destroying Chametz
Permitted methods include:
Burning
The most familiar method.
Crumbling and Scattering
Into the wind.
Throwing Into The Sea
If the chametz is hard:
- It should first be crumbled.
Covered Chametz
If chametz is buried under:
- Three handbreadths of earth or more,
it is considered destroyed.
Nevertheless:
- Before the sixth hour one should still perform bitul.
Giving Chametz Away
If given to a non-Jew before the sixth hour:
- No destruction is required.
Benefit From Burned Chametz
Burned Before the Sixth Hour
The remaining charcoal may be used.
Burned After the Sixth Hour
No benefit may be derived from:
- The fuel,
- The charcoal,
- Food cooked with it.
Such food becomes forbidden for benefit.