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Bedikat Chametz: Difference between revisions
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# One should perform bedikat chametz in the beginning of the night on the fourteenth of Nisan. <ref>Shulchan Arukh 431:1. Mishna Brurah (431:1) writes that according to the Shulchan Arukh one should check after tzeit ha-kochavim. The Gr”a (431:1) cites the opinion of the Ra’avad who says that one should begin while there is still light outside. 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 Gr”a agrees that one shouldn’t begin until tzeit ha-kochavim, however, at that time there still is a little bit of light outside.</ref> | # One should perform bedikat chametz in the beginning of the night on the fourteenth of Nisan. <ref>Shulchan Arukh 431:1. Mishna Brurah (431:1) writes that according to the Shulchan Arukh one should check after tzeit ha-kochavim. The Gr”a (431:1) cites the opinion of the Ra’avad who says that one should begin while there is still light outside. 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 Gr”a agrees that one shouldn’t begin until tzeit ha-kochavim, however, at that time there still is a little bit of light outside.</ref> | ||
# If one usually follows רבינו תם, some say that one should make sure to start the Bedika after [[Tzet HaKochavim]] of רבינו תם. <Ref>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. </ref> 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). <Ref>Moadim UZmanim (Vol 4 Siman 286 pg 46), Piskei Teshuvot 431:3 </ref> | # If one usually follows רבינו תם, some say that one should make sure to start the Bedika after [[Tzet HaKochavim]] of רבינו תם. <Ref>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. </ref> 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). <Ref>Moadim UZmanim (Vol 4 Siman 286 pg 46), Piskei Teshuvot 431:3 </ref> | ||
# 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. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 431:8 </ref> | # 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.<Ref>Mishna Brurah 431:8</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 1-5)]</ref> | ||
# 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. <Ref>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. </ref> | # 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. <Ref>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. </ref> | ||
==What== | ==What== | ||
# Some poskim say that one must search even for crumbs of Chametz and remove them. <Ref> Chazon Ish 116:18. See, however, Rosh Pesachim 1:9. </ref>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]].<Ref> [http://ph.yhb.org.il/category/%D7%A4%D7%A1%D7%97/04-%D7%91%D7%93%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%AA-%D7%97%D7%9E%D7%A5/ 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.</ref> | # Some poskim say that one must search even for crumbs of Chametz and remove them.<Ref> 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.</ref>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]].<Ref> Pesachim 6b implies that crumbs are unimportant and don't need to be checked for. [http://ph.yhb.org.il/category/%D7%A4%D7%A1%D7%97/04-%D7%91%D7%93%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%AA-%D7%97%D7%9E%D7%A5/ 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.</ref> | ||
# 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. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 433:4 </ref> | # 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. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 433:4 </ref> | ||
==Cleaning the House Beforehand== | ==Cleaning the House Beforehand== | ||
# One should sweep (or vacuum) the house before the bedika in order to clean it well.<ref>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.</ref> | # One should sweep (or vacuum) the house before the bedika in order to clean it well.<ref>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.</ref> | ||
# 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.<ref>Mishna Brurah 433:46, Kaf HaChaim 433:85</ref> The same applies if the house was cleaned and washed well by non-Jews.<ref>Kaf HaChaim 433:86</ref> | # 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.<ref>Mishna Brurah 433:46, Kaf HaChaim 433:85, [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 1-5)]</ref> The same applies if the house was cleaned and washed well by non-Jews.<ref>Kaf HaChaim 433:86</ref> | ||
# 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.<ref>Kaf HaChaim 433:24</ref> | # 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.<ref>Kaf HaChaim 433:24</ref> | ||
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===Areas which were Cleaned before Pesach=== | ===Areas which were Cleaned before Pesach=== | ||
# One has to clean the house before [[Pesach]] and still do Bedika (with a Bracha) the night before [[Pesach]]. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 12:45 and 15:45 </ref> | # One has to clean the house before [[Pesach]] and still do Bedika (with a Bracha) the night before [[Pesach]]. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 12:45 and 15:45 </ref> | ||
# 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. 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. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 12:45 and 15:45 </ref> | # 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.<ref>Mishna Brurah 433:1</ref> 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. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 12:45 and 15:45 </ref> | ||
===Cracks=== | ===Cracks=== | ||
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===Books=== | ===Books=== | ||
# Many authorities maintain that there is no obligation to check sefarim for Chametz crumbs. <Ref> 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. </ref>If one is going to check one may do so in advance and doesn’t have to wait until the night of the 14th. <ref>Orchot Rabbenu (vol 2 pg 6) regarding the practice of the Steipler and Chazon Ish. </ref> | # Many authorities maintain that there is no obligation to check sefarim for Chametz crumbs.<Ref> 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. </ref> If one is going to check one may do so in advance and doesn’t have to wait until the night of the 14th. <ref>Orchot Rabbenu (vol 2 pg 6) regarding the practice of the Steipler and Chazon Ish. </ref> | ||
# 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]]. <Ref>Halachos of [[Pesach]] (Rabbi Eider; pg 72) </ref> | # 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]]. <Ref>Halachos of [[Pesach]] (Rabbi Eider; pg 72) </ref> | ||
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# One should check the pockets of clothing in which one sometimes puts Chametz. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 433:47 </ref> Many permit checking the pockets before the night of the 14th. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 433:7, Kaf HaChaim 433:89, Halachos of [[Pesach]] (pg 71) in name of Rav Moshe Feinstein </ref> | # One should check the pockets of clothing in which one sometimes puts Chametz. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 433:47 </ref> Many permit checking the pockets before the night of the 14th. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 433:7, Kaf HaChaim 433:89, Halachos of [[Pesach]] (pg 71) in name of Rav Moshe Feinstein </ref> | ||
# 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. <Ref>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. </ref> | # 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. <Ref>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. </ref> | ||
===Under Furniture=== | |||
# A person should check under the refrigerator, stove, couches, and all moveable furniture.<ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 8)]</ref> | |||
===Renting or selling the house to a non-Jew=== | ===Renting or selling the house to a non-Jew=== | ||
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# 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. <ref> 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. </ref> This is true even of a car that will not be used on Pesach itself. <ref> Yechave Daat 1:5 </ref> | # 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. <ref> 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. </ref> This is true even of a car that will not be used on Pesach itself. <ref> Yechave Daat 1:5 </ref> | ||
# Public bus companies or airplane companies that are Jewish must check for Chametz before Pesach. <ref> Yechave Daat 1:5 </ref> | # Public bus companies or airplane companies that are Jewish must check for Chametz before Pesach. <ref> Yechave Daat 1:5 </ref> | ||
# 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.<ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 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.</ref> | |||
===The Shul=== | ===The Shul=== | ||
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==Eating or working before Bedika== | ==Eating or working before Bedika== | ||
# 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. <Ref> | # 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.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 431:2, Mishna Brurah 432:5-6, [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 3)] </ref> However, one may continue to eat fruit a half hour before [[Tzet HaKochavim]], but not after [[Tzet HaKochavim]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 432:6 </ref> | ||
# 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]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 431:7 </ref> | # 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]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 431:7 </ref> | ||
# 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. <Ref> | # 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. <Ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama 431:2, Mishna Brurah 431:12 </ref> | ||
# Even someone who is doing bedika the night before he leaves shouldn't eat or do activities beforehand after nightfall.<ref>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.</ref> | |||
==Candle== | ==Candle== | ||
# One should check using a single wax candle and not a torch (or even two candles together). <Ref>S”A and Rama 433:2, Mishna Brurah 431:3 </ref> | # One should check using a single wax candle and not a torch (or even two candles together). <Ref>S”A and Rama 433:2, Mishna Brurah 431:3 </ref> | ||
# If one is unable to use a candle, one should use a flashlight. <Ref> Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:11), Piskei Teshuvot 431:2 </ref> 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. <Ref> Halachos of [[Pesach]] (pg 86) quoting Rav Aharon Kotler and Rav Moshe Feinstein that the flashlight sufficies. Yechave Daat 1:4</ref> | # If one is unable to use a candle, one should use a flashlight. <Ref> Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:11), Piskei Teshuvot 431:2 </ref> 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. <Ref> Halachos of [[Pesach]] (pg 86) quoting Rav Aharon Kotler and Rav Moshe Feinstein that the flashlight sufficies. Yechave Daat 1:4</ref> | ||
# One doesn’t have to turn off the electric lights while performing the Bedika. <Ref>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) </ref> | # One doesn’t have to turn off the electric lights while performing the Bedika. <Ref>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. </ref> | ||
# See also [[Hebrew sources for using a flashlight for Bedikat Chametz]] | # See also [[Hebrew sources for using a flashlight for Bedikat Chametz]] | ||
