Bedikat Chametz

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Texts for Bedikat Chametz

Bracha

  1. Before the Bedika one should make the Bracha of Asher Kidishanu BeMitzvotav VeTzivanu Al Biur Chametz. [1] If one accidentally made the Bracha of Al Bitul Chametz after the fact one has fulfilled the obligation.[2] One has also fulfilled his obligation if he recites "livaer chametz." [3]
  2. One may not speak between the Bracha and beginning the Bedika, and if one did make an interruption not related to the Bedika one must make another Bracha. [4]
  3. After one began it’s preferable not to speak until one completes the Bedika, however it’s permissible to speak even in matters not related to Bedika. [5]
  4. If one didn’t make the Bracha before beginning Bedika one can make it as long as one hasn’t finished Bedika. Nonetheless, if one has finished the Bedika, one should make it without Shem UMalchut in the morning before burning the Chametz and some say that one may make it then with Shem UMalchut. [6]
  5. One may make the Bracha on the Bedika with many people listening and then split up for each person to check an area in the house. [7]If someone didn’t hear the Bracha and it’s difficult to finish the Bedika without that person’s help, he may help without making a Bracha. [8]
  6. If one is checking two houses one may should make only one Bracha and do Bedika on both. [9]
  7. There’s no Shehecheyanu on the Bedika. [10]
  8. Some say that one should wash one’s hands before performing Bedika. [11]

Bitul

  1. After the Bedika one should recite the following form of bitul chametz: "כל חמירא וחמיעא דאיכא ברשותי, דלא חזיתיה ודלא בערתיה, לבטיל ולהוי הפקר כעפרא דארעא" meaning "All chametz or leaven in my possession that I have not seen, and have not destroyed, shall be nullified and become ownerless, like the dust of the earth."[12] For more information, see the Bitul Chametz page.

When

  1. One should perform bedikat chametz in the beginning of the night on the fourteenth of Nisan.[13] Generally, one may not do it earlier by day or the night before.[14]
  2. If one usually follows רבינו תם, some say that one should make sure to start the Bedika after Tzet HaKochavim of רבינו תם. [15] and some say that one should begin before Tzet HaKochavim of רבינו תם at the time of accepted Tzet HaKochavim (while it’s still slightly light outside). [16]
  3. If one is praying with a minyan one should pray first and then perform Bedika. However, if one is praying at home, preferably one should appoint someone else to do Bedika while one prays, otherwise, pray first, unless one usually prays at home in which case some say one should check first and some say one should pray first.[17] Some recommend for a person davening at home that they should daven maariv at the ideal time, which is Tzet Hakochavim, and then starting the bedika.[18]
  4. If one is going to come home after Tzet HaKochavim one should appoint someone as an agent (Shaliach) so that it can be done at the proper time. However, if the man is working at night and wants to fulfill the mitzvah himself, he may appoint his wife to do Bedika (with a Bracha) on the whole house except for one room and then do Bedika (with a Bracha) in that room when he returns. [19]

What

  1. Some poskim say that one must search even for crumbs of Chametz and remove them.[20]However, most poskim say that there's no obligation to check for crumbs of chametz, but the places where one will have kosher for pesach food must be cleaned of all crumbs of chametz so that not even a crumb gets into the food which will be eaten on Pesach.[21]
  2. Chametz that is buried in the cracks in the floor or between the back of a cabinet and the wall and people can’t reach one doesn’t have to do Bedika there. [22]

Cleaning the House Beforehand

  1. One should sweep (or vacuum) the house before the bedika in order to clean it well.[23]
  2. The minhag is to clean the house well and remove all the chametz from around the house before the bedika, and then do a cursory check of the house without checking every crack or crevice.[24] The same applies if the house was cleaned and washed well by non-Jews.[25]
  3. In rooms that you eat chametz you should check under the beds and cabinets, however, in rooms that you don’t eat chametz it is sufficient to sweep under the beds and cabinets without checking there carefully.[26]

Who

  1. One who is sick must appoint a שליח to do Bedika in his place.[27]
  2. One who is an Onen, one who is in the first day of mourning, must appoint a שליח to do Bedika in his place.[28]

Leaving for Pesach

  1. If a person leaves one’s house more than 30 days before Pesach and doesn’t plan to return for Pesach one doesn’t have to do Bedika but rather just do Bitul when the times comes wherever one is. [29]
  2. If a person leaves one’s house within 30 days of Pesach and doesn’t plan to return for Pesach one must do Bedika with a candle the night before one leaves and then do Bitul Chametz afterwards, however the Bedika is done without a Bracha. [30]
    1. Since one is not going to be home for Pesach it’s sufficient to do a proper Bedika according to the law by just looking for the Chametz (though not just a superficial look) and one doesn’t have to drive oneself crazy like one does every year. [31]
  3. However if possible it’s preferable to appoint a שליח to do Beidika for oneself at the proper time. [32] Some say that it’s better to do it oneself before going rather than have a non-family member (such as a neighbor) do it for oneself. [33]
  4. If one plans on returning before Pesach if there’s a fear one will return on Erev Pesach without time for Bedika one should do it before going, otherwise do it when one returns. [34]

Where?

  1. One only has to check in area where one would have brought Chametz. [35]
  2. If one has small children one must do Bedika in all rooms in the house because one doesn’t know where Chametz was brought. [36]
  3. One should do Bedika on the area where one plans to eat after the Bedika for that night and the next morning and then one should check that area again in the morning. [37]
  4. In an apartment building one person should check the stairwell, closets, etc. for everyone after having made a Bracha for Bedika in his own house (without making interruptions that aren’t relevant to the Bedika). [38]
  5. The minhag is not to do Bedika in the areas where one stores Chametz and is going to sell to a goy for Pesach. [39]
  6. If one's porch is roofed and fenced in, it is considered like any other room that needs to be checked with a bracha.[40]

Renting one's house to a non-Jew

  1. If one is renting out one’s house and the Chametz in it to a non-Jew for Pesach one will have exempted oneself from Bedika but it’s not proper to do so, rather it’s correct to rent one’s house except for one room and do Bedika without a Bracha in that room before one leaves for Pesach. [41]
    1. The room which one leaves not rented in order to Bedika should be a room which one usually brings Chametz otherwise there’ll be no obligation of Bedika and one will have accomplished nothing by leaving that room not rented. [42]

Renters

  1. If the owner/landlord has the keys at the time of the Bedika, then the owner is obligated in Bedika.[43]
  2. If the renter has the key to the house at the time of Bedika (14th at Tzet HaKochavim) and he has made a halachic acquisition (paying with cash), then he’s obligated to do Bedika. [44]
  3. However, if the renter has the key to the house but didn’t do a halachic acquisition, many say that the owner is obligated and some say that the renter is obligated.[45] Certainly the owner or renter can be appointed a שליח by the other and fulfill the obligation of Bedika. [46]
  4. A person who rents a house for Pesach, the areas which one will put one’s food utensils and actual food should be checked perfectly well. The rest of the house should be checked well, however, the areas which are private areas and the renters are not supposed to open (explicitly mentioned or implicitly understood) the renters do not have to Bedika on those areas.[47]

Hotel Guests

  1. If one arrives in the hotel before the 14th at night and plans on staying Pesach, then one should perform Bedika in the room with a Bracha. [48] Some maintain that one should check without a Bracha. [49]
    1. If the room is cleaned well one should bring Chametz into the room before doing Bedika. [50]
  2. If one arrives in the hotel on the day of the 14th, if the hotel did a Bedika on the 14th at night one doesn’t need to do Bedika, however, if the hotel didn’t do Bedika, one should do so with a Bracha. [51]
  3. If one is a guest in the hotel only for the 14th and plans on leaving before Pesach one should still do Bedika but without a Bracha. [52]

Yeshiva Student

  1. If a Yeshiva student is leaving his dorm or apartment within 30 days of Pesach, even if he isn’t returning on Pesach, he has an obligation to do Bedikat Chametz the night before he leaves, without a Bracha [53], but with a candle or flashlight [54], and then do Bitul. [55]
  2. One shouldn’t eat, work, or learn prior to performing this Bedika, just like one who performs Bedika on the 14th.[56]
  3. If a student in Yeshiva is in Yeshiva on Pesach, he is obligated to perform Bedika in his dorm room and if it’s done on the 14th at night it should be done with a Bracha. [57] However, some hold that the Bedika should be made without a Bracha. [58]
  4. However, if the Yeshiva decides to sell all the rooms to a goy for Pesach, then there’s no obligation to perform Bedika. [59]

Going to a Relative for Pesach

  1. If one is staying at a relative for Pesach and has a room where will one be staying one should participate in the Bedika by listening to the Bracha on the Bedika and then checking the room one will be staying in. [60]

Bungalow Colony

  1. If one leaves one’s bungalow colony house within 30 days of Pesach one has to Bedika before one leaves, however if one leaves longer than 30 days before Pesach one doesn’t have to Bedika and it’s sufficient to do Bitul Chametz on the Chametz in that house unless one is going to come to the house on Pesach in which case one has to Bedika before Pesach. [61]

Office

  1. One has to do Bedika in one’s office (if one brings food there), however, one doesn’t have to do it on the night before Pesach, but rather one should do on the night before one leaves the office before Pesach. [62]

Areas which were Cleaned before Pesach

  1. One has to clean the house before Pesach and still do Bedika (with a Bracha) the night before Pesach. [63]
  2. If one cleaned a closet completely by removing every single vessel, checked using an electric light and there no small confined areas or hidden places in the closet then it’s considered checked and doesn’t require Bedika.[64] However, if there are areas which require close examination (like getting down on one’s hands and knees) one should still do Bedika at the appropriate time. [65]

Cracks

  1. Nowadays, one doesn’t have to check in the cracks in the floor because no one actually hides Chametz in the few and small cracks in the floor. [66]
  2. If a piece of Chametz is too difficult to reach one doesn’t have to go crazy in order to remove that Chametz (and Bitul is sufficient). [67]

Books

  1. Many authorities maintain that there is no obligation to check sefarim for Chametz crumbs.[68] If one is going to check one may do so in advance and doesn’t have to wait until the night of the 14th.[69]
  2. Benchers and Zemiros booklets of the rest of the year should not be used on Pesach but rather sold to a non-Jew with Mechirat Chametz. [70]

Pockets

  1. One should check the pockets of clothing in which one sometimes puts Chametz. [71] Many permit checking the pockets before the night of the 14th. [72]
  2. If one never put Chametz in the pocket, some say that one doesn’t have to check but others hold that one must check because Chametz may have been placed there inadvertently. [73]

Under Furniture

  1. A person should check under the refrigerator, stove, couches, and all moveable furniture.[74]

Renting or selling the house to a non-Jew

  1. If one is not going to be home on Pesach and sell the house to a goy, it’s improper not to do Bedika. [75]

One's office

  1. Some say that one should do Bedika in the place where one works at night using a candle. [76] while others say that that it doesn’t have to be done on the night of the 14th rather one should do it the last day one is there before the 14th of Nissan. Additionally, it doesn’t have to be done with a candle nor does one have to put out pieces of Chametz. No bracha is made on this bedika. [77]

One's car

  1. It’s proper to check one’s car(s) for Chametz on the night of the 14th using a flashlight. Otherwise, one should check it during the day. No Bracha is required for performing Bedika in a car.[78] This is true even of a car that will not be used on Pesach itself.[79]
  2. Public bus companies or airplane companies that are Jewish must check for Chametz before Pesach.[80]
  3. If one checked the car and it is clean before the night of the 14th some say that it doesn't need to be checked the night of the 14th.[81]

The Shul

  1. A gabbai or other appointed individual should perform Bedika in the Shul or Bet Midrash. Some say that one should make a Bracha on this Bedika [82], and some say that one shouldn’t make a Bracha [83] and it’s preferable to have the one doing the Bedika to make a Bracha for Bedika of his home and then do Bedika in the Shul (without making an interruption not relevant to the Bedika). [84]
    1. One doesn’t have to do Bitul Chametz after Bedika of the Shul or Bet Midrash [85] unless it belongs to an individual in which case one should do Bitul Chametz.[86]

Eating or working before Bedika

  1. A person shouldn’t start a job or start eating (a KeBeitzah of bread) from a half hour before Tzet HaKochavim, until one has done Bedika.[87] However, one may continue to eat fruit a half hour before Tzet HaKochavim, but not after Tzet HaKochavim.[88]
  2. A person shouldn’t start learning from Tzet HaKochavim until one has done Bedika. Some add that one may not learn from a half hour before Tzet HaKochavim and some permit until Tzet HaKochavim.[89]
  3. If one began to learn, work, or eat during the day and continued into the night, according to Sephardim one doesn’t have to stop to do Bedika, and according to Ashkenazim one must stop at Tzet HaKochavim in order to perform Bedika.[90]
  4. Even someone who is doing bedika the night before he leaves shouldn't eat or do activities beforehand after nightfall.[91]

Candle

  1. One should check using a single wax candle and not a torch (or even two candles together). [92]
  2. If one is unable to use a candle, one should use a flashlight. [93] Some say that one can fulfill the obligation with a flashlight, but the minhag is to use a candle or to begin with a candle. [94]
  3. One doesn’t have to turn off the electric lights while performing the Bedika. [95]
  4. See also Hebrew sources for using a flashlight for Bedikat Chametz

If one didn’t do Bedika

  1. If one didn’t do Bedika at night one should do so during the day before the sixth hour (halachic hours) and if one forgot to do it before the sixth hour one should still do it on Erev Pesach with a Bracha.[96] One can only do Bitul Chametz after the Bedika until the sixth hour of Erev Pesach. [97]
  2. If one didn’t do it before Pesach, do it on Pesach unless one did Bitul Chametz before Pesach in which case one shouldn’t do Bedika on Pesach with a Bracha.[98]
  3. If one didn’t do Bedika during Pesach, do it after Pesach without a Bracha.[99]
  4. Any Bedika not at the appropriate time should be done with a candle. [100]

If one finds Chametz

  1. If one finds Chametz on Yom Tov one shouldn’t burn it but rather cover it and then burn it after Yom Tov.[101] some say that nowadays one should have a non-Jew flush it down the toilet. [102]
  2. If one finds Chametz on Chol HaMoed one should burn it but not make a Bracha if one either did Bitul Chametz or selling of Chametz to a non-Jew before Pesach. [103]
  3. Some say that if one sold one’s Chametz before Pesach and then one finds Chametz on Pesach, one should store it away with the other Chametz that’s sold to the non-Jew and not burn it.[104]

Minhag in performing Bedika

  1. Nowadays when people clean the house of Chametz in advance, it’s enough to check to see if that area was cleaned from Chametz and if it wasn’t to remove the Chametz. [105]

Scattering 10 pieces of Chametz

  1. The minhag is to scatter 10 pieces of Chametz to be found during the Bedika. [106] Nowadays when people clean the house of Chametz in advance, some say that one must scatter these pieces, while others maintain that it’s still not an obligation but only a minhag. [107]
  2. These pieces should be hard Chametz that doesn’t cause crumbs and it should be placed in an area that’s protected from children or mice. [108] Additionally, it may be advisable to wrap it so that it doesn’t make crumbs. [109]
  3. One should be careful not to loss any of the pieces. [110]

How much is Enough?

  1. A person doesn’t have to make themselves crazy, one just to be reasonable not to overwork oneself so that one can enjoy the Seder. [111] It’s a judgment call and one should do a peripheral check (not too peripheral). [112]

If one found Chametz after the Bedika

  1. If one found Chametz after the Bedika one doesn’t have to recheck the house. [113]

If one did Bedika before the night of the 14th

  1. If one did Bedika during the day of the 13th to the light of a candle one should do Bedika the night of the 14th without a Bracha. [114]
  2. If one did Bedika during the night of the 13th to the light of a candle, one doesn’t have to do Bedika on the 14th at night if one was careful not to bring Chametz there and if one wants to do Bedika it should be done without a Bracha. [115]

Links

Sources

  1. ↑ Tur and S”A 432:1, Kitzur S"A 111:7. Mishna Brurah 432:3 and Chazon Ovadia Part 1 page 44 explain that we don't recite al bedikat chametz because the search is only for the purpose of the destruction.
  2. ↑ Mishna Brurah 432:3
  3. ↑ Chazon Ovadia Pesach 5763 Part 1 page 44. See Rosh (Pesachim 1:10) as to why the bracha is with "Al Biur" and not "Leva'er".
  4. ↑ S”A 432:1, Mishna Brurah 432:5
  5. ↑ S”A 432:1, Mishna Brurah 432:6
  6. ↑ Mishna Brurah 432:4
  7. ↑ S”A 432:2
  8. ↑ Mishna Brurah 432:11
  9. ↑ S”A 432:2 writes that with one Bracha one can perform Bedika in many houses. Mishna Brurah 432:7 quotes a dispute whether one should make another Bracha once one moved from one courtyard to another courtyard. Halichot Shlomo 5:13 rules that one should make one Bracha for Bedika in two houses even if they are in different courtyards.
  10. ↑ Bear Hetiev says it’s includes in Shehecheyanu of Yom Tov, Pri Megadim M”Z 431:2 says it’s not a mitzvah of Simcha, Meiri says there’s no Shehecheyanu on Bedika which is just done to prevent you from a prohibition.
  11. ↑ Mishna Brurah 432:2
  12. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 434:2, Mishna Brurah 434:8
  13. ↑ Shulchan Arukh O.C. 431:1. Mishna Brurah (431:1) writes that according to the Shulchan Arukh one should check after tzeit ha-kochavim. Raavad in Katuv Sham on Rif Pesachim 2a writes that the language of the Mishna אור implies that bedika should be done while there is light outside in the beginning of the night. Ran 1a quotes this Raavad and explains it should be done at the beginning of the night so you don't delay and become lazy about it or forget. However, The Gr”a (431:1) cites the Raavad as holding that it should be done while there is light outside because that is more accurate than saying it should be done at night. See Maaseh Rav (#178) who says that the Gra would begin Bedika slightly before Tzet HaKochavim. Nonetheless, Rabbi Eliyahu Spira in Eliyah Rabbah (431:5) explains that even the Raavad agrees that one shouldn’t begin until tzeit ha-kochavim, however, at that time there still is a little bit of light outside.
  14. ↑ Baal Hameor Pesachim 4a writes that it is acceptable to do the bedikat chametz on the day of the thirteenth as long as one uses a candle. However, the Ramban (Milchamot 4a) argues that there's an insistence on night in the Gemara since a candle is more effective at night than the day. He proves this from the Yerushalmi Pesachim 1:1 as well. Raavad (Katuv Sham 4a), Ran 1b, Ritva 4a, and Maharam Chalavah 4a all accept the position of the Ramban and reject the Baal Hameor. Furthermore, the Maharam Chalavah writes that one may not do bedika on the night of the thirteenth since one may not do a complete job since it isn't the time for the mitzvah and then one will rely on that incomplete bedika.
  15. ↑ Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:10). Haggadah of the Roshei Yeshivah (pg 13) records Rav Moshe's minhag to start the Bedika 50 minutes after sundown which according to many opinions is Tzet HaCochavim of Rabbenu Tam.
  16. ↑ Moadim UZmanim (Vol 4 Siman 286 pg 46), Piskei Teshuvot 431:3
  17. ↑ Mishna Brurah 431:8
  18. ↑ Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 1-5)
  19. ↑ Sh”t Teshuvot VeHanhagot 2:114. Listen to “Bedikas Chametz part 1” (min 3:30) by Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz who asks on this. For possible resolution of this question see Mishna Brurah 431:8.
  20. ↑ Chazon Ish 116:18 writes that you need to section off chametz crumbs like chametz of a non-Jew (Pesachim 6a). See regarding checking sefarim that the Chazon Ish checked his sefarim for crumbs. See, however, Gemara Pesachim 6b that implies that crumbs aren't significant and don't need bedika. Maharam Chalavah 6b s.v. may maintains that one doesn't need to destroy a crumb less than a kezayit except for dough pieces which could combine into a kezayit. This also seems evident from Piskei Rid 6b and Rosh Pesachim 1:9. Magen Avraham 432:5 also implies that crumbs don't need bedika.
  21. ↑ Pesachim 6b implies that crumbs are unimportant and don't need to be checked for. Rabbi Eliezer Melamed in Peninei Halacha says that the halacha is that one doesn't have to check for crumbs of chametz but in the areas where one will have kosher pesach food one must remove all crumbs of chametz. He brings the Shaar HaTziyun 442:60 as his proof. Halichot Shlomo ch. 5 fnt. 10 agrees.
  22. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 433:4
  23. ↑ Mordechai (Pesachim 1:536) writes that one should sweep the house before the bedika because without sweeping you can’t check well. Also, he says you need to check besides sweeping because some chametz might get stuck in a hole. This is quoted by the Bet Yosef 433:11 and Darkei Moshe 433:5 and is codified by the Rama 433:11 and Kaf HaChaim 433:84.
  24. ↑ Mishna Brurah 433:46, Kaf HaChaim 433:85, Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 1-5)
  25. ↑ Kaf HaChaim 433:86
  26. ↑ Kaf HaChaim 433:24
  27. ↑ Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:8)
  28. ↑ Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:8)
  29. ↑ S”A 436:1
  30. ↑ S”A 436:1
  31. ↑ Rav Schachter on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 2:30 and 5
  32. ↑ Mishna Brurah 436:1
  33. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 436:1
  34. ↑ Mishna Brurah 436:9
  35. ↑ S”A 431:1, Mishna Brurah 431:4
  36. ↑ Rav Schachter on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 6 and 7
  37. ↑ Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:2)
  38. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 433:3
  39. ↑ Mishna Brurah 436:32 quotes those who obligate a Bedika and those who exempt and so it’s preferable to sell it on the 13th. However, Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:3) writes that the accepted minhag is not to do Bedika in those areas and only have it sold afterwards.
  40. ↑ Nitei Gavriel (Pesach v. 1, p. 112)
  41. ↑ Rav Schachter on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 2:30 and 5
  42. ↑ Rav Yisrael Belsky on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 10:30 and 11:30
  43. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 437:1, Mishna Brurah 437:2, Halachos of Pesach (pg 98)
  44. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 437:1, Mishna Brurah 437:2, Halachos of Pesach (pg 98)
  45. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 437:1, Mishna Brurah 437:2, Halachos of Pesach (pg 98)
  46. ↑ Mishna Brurah 437:2, Halachos of Pesach (pg 99)
  47. ↑ Rav Yisrael Belsky on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 16:45 and 19:15 explaining that we assume that the children didn’t put Chametz there and they are even renting those private areas
  48. ↑ Chovat Hadar (end of Sefer Dinei Bedikat Chametz), Siddur Pesach KeHilchato 12:8, Chag HaMatzot (Halachot VeMinhagim 5:32), Otzar Halachot vol 2 pg 124, Piskei Teshuvot 437:1. Rav Hershel Schachter on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 4:30 and 5:30 explains that even though the room is cleaned by the cleaning staff before one gets there that doesn't mean it is sufficiently checked so that there's no chametz in there on Pesach. Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz in Ten Minute Halacha - Bedikas Chameitz when Staying in a Hotel agrees. Also, Rav Schachter added that in order to recite a bracha one should bring in some chametz such as a cookies before the time of the bedika.
  49. ↑ Sh”t Kinyan Torah 1:120, 5:33
  50. ↑ Rav Schachter on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 2:30 and 5
  51. ↑ Siddur Pesach KeHilchato 12:8, Piskei Teshuvot 437:1
  52. ↑ Halichot Shlomo 5:19, Piskei Teshuvot 437:1
  53. ↑ The Gemara Pesachim 6a says that one who leaves his house within 30 days of Pesach, should do Biur even if he doesn’t plan on being home during Pesach. Rambam (Chametz 2:16) explains that this includes doing Bedika. Shulchan Aruch 436:1 agrees. Mishna Brurah 436:6 writes that one should do Bedika with a candle the night before leaving. Rama 436:1 writes that there’s no Bracha for this Bedika since it’s not performed on the night of the 14th. Torat HaYeshiva 14:2 applies this halacha to a Yeshiva student in dorms.
  54. ↑ Halachos of Pesach (p. 86) quotes Rav Moshe saying that a flashlight is better than using a candle and Rav Aharon Kotler as saying it is equivalent to a candle. Halichot Shlomo 5:11 writes that if one can’t use a candle, one should use a flashlight. Chazon Ovadyah (p. 38) agrees.
  55. ↑ Taz 436:2 writes that besides the Bedika, one should do Bitul on Erev Pesach; Magen Avraham 436:1 argues that one should also do Bitul after the Bedika as one does by Bedika on the 14th. Biur HaGra 436:4, Mishna Brurah 436:3, and Kaf HaChaim 436:8 agree.
  56. ↑ Pri Megadim E”A 436:1 writes that one who does Bedika the night before leaving his house, shouldn’t eat, work, or learn just like one who performs Bedika on the 14th. Kaf HaChaim 436:7 and Nitei Gavriel 28:4 agree. Kovetz MeBet Levi (Nissan 5761 pg 85) writes that this also applies to a Yeshiva Student doing Bedika in his dorm the night before he leaves. See above regarding the laws of not eating, working, or learning within a half hour of Tzeit Hakochavim.
  57. ↑ Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:17), Dinim VeHanhagot 17:18 quoting the Chazon Ish, Siddur Pesach KeHilchato 12:9, Kovetz MeBet Levi (Nissan 5756), Chut HaSheni (Pesach pg 88), and Torat HaYeshiva write that a yeshiva student should perform Bedika in his dorm with a Bracha if it’s done on the 14th.
  58. ↑ Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:287, Chovat Hadar (end of Sefer Dinei Bedikat Chametz), Mishpat HaSechirut 5:32
  59. ↑ Torat HaYeshiva 14:4
  60. ↑ Rav Schachter on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 6 and 7
  61. ↑ Rav Yisrael Belsky on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 11 and 12
  62. ↑ Rav Yisrael Belsky on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 8 and 11
  63. ↑ Rav Yisrael Belsky on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 12:45 and 15:45
  64. ↑ Mishna Brurah 433:1
  65. ↑ Rav Yisrael Belsky on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 12:45 and 15:45
  66. ↑ Rav Schachter on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 16 and 16:30
  67. ↑ Rav Schachter on OU Kosher Pre-Pesach Webcast 5770 between minutes 5:00 and 5:30
  68. ↑ Halichot Shlomo 5:6 writes that even though there’s a dispute whether the possible existence of crumbs necessitates Bedika, since the crumbs in sefarim would be disgusting sefarim don’t require Bedika. Chazon Ovadyah (p. 35), Or Letzion 1:32, Rav Mordechai Willig in Am Mordechai (p. 154), and Halachos of Pesach (p. 72) quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein agree. Maaseh Rav #178, however, writes that one should do Bedika on sefarim that he used during a meal. Chazon Ish 116:18 and Mishna Halachot 7:64 agree. Orchot Rabbenu (vol 2 pg 6) records the Steipler and Chazon Ish’s practice to check sefarim in advance of the night of 14th.
  69. ↑ Orchot Rabbenu (vol 2 pg 6) regarding the practice of the Steipler and Chazon Ish.
  70. ↑ Halachos of Pesach (Rabbi Eider; pg 72)
  71. ↑ Mishna Brurah 433:47
  72. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 433:7, Kaf HaChaim 433:89, Halachos of Pesach (pg 71) in name of Rav Moshe Feinstein
  73. ↑ Mishna Brurah 433:47 obligates checking even if one never put Chametz in there, however, S”A HaRav 433:43 and Kaf HaChaim 433:87 hold that one doesn’t need to check but it’s praiseworthy.
  74. ↑ Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 8)
  75. ↑ Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, pg 101 note 14)
  76. ↑ Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:4)
  77. ↑ Rabbi Sobolofsky at yutorah.org between minutes 2 and 4
  78. ↑ Yechave Daat 1:5 and Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:5) write that one should check the cars on the night of the 14th and if not then it should be checked on the day. Halichot Shlomo and Halachos of Pesach (pg 71) in name of Rav Moshe Feinstein hold that no Bracha is made on this Bedika. Yechave Daat 1:5 also agrees.
  79. ↑ Yechave Daat 1:5
  80. ↑ Yechave Daat 1:5
  81. ↑ Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 1-5) explained that a car is considered a vessel and not a house and as long as it is cleaned before the night of the bedika it doesn't need to be checked that night.
  82. ↑ Mishna Brurah 433:10, S”A HaRav 433, Sh”t Teshuvot Vehanhagot 1:287
  83. ↑ Sh”t Maharsham 5:49, Aruch HaShulchan 433:12
  84. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 433:6
  85. ↑ Mishna Brurah 433:43, Aruch HaShulchan 433:12
  86. ↑ Halachos of Pesach (Rabbi Eider; pg 73)
  87. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 431:2, Mishna Brurah 432:5-6, Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 3). Gemara Pesachim 4a forbids learning once it is the time for bedika and the Ritva writes that if learning is forbidden, certainly other activities. Meor Yisrael Pesachim 4a shows that most rishonim think that the prohibition indeed only starts at Tzet Hakochavim, however, the Magen Avraham has a nuance that it begins from a half hour beforehand and one shouldn't veer from that ruling unless there is a great need.
  88. ↑ Mishna Brurah 432:6
  89. ↑ Gemara Pesachim 4a, Mishna Brurah 431:7. Rav Ovadia Yosef in Meor Yisrael Pesachim 4a is lenient for learning within the half hour of Tzet until it is actually Tzet.
  90. ↑ Shulchan Aruch and Rama 431:2, Mishna Brurah 431:12
  91. ↑ Pri Megadim E”A 436:1 writes that one who does Bedika the night before leaving his house, shouldn’t eat, work, or learn just like one who performs Bedika on the 14th. Kaf HaChaim Orach Chaim 436:7 and Nitei Gavriel 28:4 agree.
  92. ↑ S”A and Rama 433:2, Mishna Brurah 431:3
  93. ↑ Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:11), Piskei Teshuvot 431:2
  94. ↑ Halachos of Pesach (pg 86) quoting Rav Aharon Kotler and Rav Moshe Feinstein that the flashlight sufficies. Yechave Daat 1:4
  95. ↑ Halachos of Pesach (pg 86) quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein, Piskei Teshuvot 431:2 saying that such is the minhag, Nitei Gavriel (Pesach v. 1, p. 112). Avnei Derech 13:100:2 cites numerous poskim who allow leaving on the lights during bedikat chametz including Mishna Halachot 15:92, Shalmei Moed p. 312 citing Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Or Letzion 3:7:7, Hagadah Shel Pesach Hachazon Ish p. 19, Chut Shani p. 59, Chazon Ovadia Pesach p. 40, Orchot Rabbenu Pesach n. 6, Shevut Yitzchak Pesach p. 34, and Hilchot Chag Bchag 5:7 p. 78. The only one who cites on the other side is that the Torat Hamoadim p. 433 writes that the Brisker Rav would turn off the lights for bedikat chametz.
  96. ↑ S”A 435:1, Mishna Brurah 435:5
  97. ↑ Mishna Brurah 435:1
  98. ↑ S”A 435:1, Mishna Brurah 435:3,5
  99. ↑ S”A 435:1
  100. ↑ Mishna Brurah 435:4
  101. ↑ S”A 446:1
  102. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 446:2
  103. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 446:1
  104. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 446:1 quoting Mikrei Kodesh 1:74
  105. ↑ Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:1), Piskei Teshuvot 433:8, Or Yisrael (vol 35, pg 100-102, article by Rav Shlomo Wolfson)
  106. ↑ Rama 432:2, Mishna Brurah 432:13. Rama (432:2) quotes one opinion who says that the minhag to leave pieces of bread around the house is to ensure that one finds chametz to prevent a berakhah of biur chametz being said in vain. However, the Rama concludes, that it is not necessary since one’s intent in the berakhah is to destroy the chametz that one finds. Taz (432:4) discourages this minhag because one may misplace one of the placed pieces. On the other hand, Rabbi Yaakov Reischer in Chok Yaakov (432:13) defends the minhag and argues that putting out pieces encourages one to do a thorough check and not abandon the job if chametz is not found immediately.
  107. ↑ Shaar HaTziyun 432:12 quotes the Emek Halacha who maintains that nowadays when people clean the house in advance one must put out these 10 pieces of Chametz so that the Bracha on Bedika isn’t a Bracha Levatala. However, Halichot Shlomo 5:12 argues that one can still make the Bracha without putting out these pieces because the Bedika includes checking that the areas have been cleaned properly, nonetheless it’s still the minhag to do so.
  108. ↑ Mishna Brurah 432:12
  109. ↑ Halachos of Pesach (pg 80)
  110. ↑ Mishna Brurah 432:13
  111. ↑ Rav Schachter on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 19:30 and 21
  112. ↑ Rav Yisrael Belsky on OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771 between minutes 24 and 25. See Haggadah of the Roshei Yeshiva (pg 13) which records the minhag of Rav Moshe to perform a bedika in his small apartment for longer than an hour. This bedika doesn't need to be done as if no cleaning was done, but is required anyway. This is the opinion of Sha’arei Teshuvah 433:2, Daat Torah 433:2, Chochmat Shelomo 433:11, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach quoted in Mevakshei Torah Ohr Efrayim page 532), Kinyan Torah 2:122.
  113. ↑ Mishna Brurah 438:4, Halichot Shlomo 5:22
  114. ↑ Mishna Brurah 433:1
  115. ↑ Mishna Brurah 433:1
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