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 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.</ref> Generally, one may not do it earlier by day or the night before.<ref>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 Pesachim 4a s.v. amar 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.</ref> | #One should perform bedikat chametz in the beginning of the night on the fourteenth of Nisan.<ref>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.</ref> Generally, one may not do it earlier by day or the night before.<ref>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 Pesachim 4a s.v. amar 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.</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> 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 praying with a [[minyan]] one should pray first and then perform Bedika.<ref>Mishna Brurah 431:8, Rav Moshe Feinstein (cited by A Guide to Practical Halacha v. 5 p. 41 n. 1)</ref> 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 2:214. 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 2:214. 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 a person did Bedikat Chametz on the 13th at night he doesn't need to redo the bedikat on the 14th at night, though the institution was to check on the 14th at night specifically.<ref>Pri Chadash 433:11, Olot Tamid 433:8, [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=1318&st=&pgnum=5 Nechpeh Bkesef v. 2 p. 1], Chok Yakov 433:23, Mekor Chaim 433:15, Chazon Ovadia Pesach p. 40. The Nechpeh Bekesef is addressing the concern of the Mikraei Kodesh that if a person does bedika on the 13th he needs to do it again because of marit ayin. He holds that there's no marit ayin since it is done inside the house. However, Bach 433:1 concludes that if someone checked the night of the 13th they need to check again the night of the 14th since the institution was to do bedika the night of the 14th in all cases.</ref> Some say that one doesn't need to do Bedika again but one should do at least one room again.<ref>Mishna Brurah 433:6</ref> | #If a person did Bedikat Chametz on the 13th at night he doesn't need to redo the bedikat on the 14th at night, though the institution was to check on the 14th at night specifically.<ref>Pri Chadash 433:11, Olot Tamid 433:8, [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=1318&st=&pgnum=5 Nechpeh Bkesef v. 2 p. 1], Chok Yakov 433:23, Mekor Chaim 433:15, Chazon Ovadia Pesach p. 40. The Nechpeh Bekesef is addressing the concern of the Mikraei Kodesh that if a person does bedika on the 13th he needs to do it again because of marit ayin. He holds that there's no marit ayin since it is done inside the house. However, Bach 433:1 concludes that if someone checked the night of the 13th they need to check again the night of the 14th since the institution was to do bedika the night of the 14th in all cases.</ref> Some say that one doesn't need to do Bedika again but one should do at least one room again.<ref>Mishna Brurah 433:6</ref> | ||
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===Yeshiva Student=== | ===Yeshiva Student=== | ||
#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 <ref>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. </ref>, but with a candle or flashlight <ref>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) | #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 <ref>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. </ref>, but with a candle or flashlight <ref>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. Rav Moshe Feinstein (cited by A Guide to Practical Halacha v. 5 p. 41 n. 4) writes that some start with a candle and then switch to a flashlight because of areas that a candle would be dangerous. Halichot Shlomo 5:11 writes that if one can’t use a candle, one should use a flashlight. Chazon Ovadyah (p. 38) and the Debrecener (cited by A Guide to Practical Halacha v. 5 p. 41 n. 5) agree.</ref>, and then do Bitul. <ref>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. </ref> | ||
#One shouldn’t eat, work, or learn prior to performing this Bedika, just like one who performs Bedika on the 14th.<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. 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 [[#Eating or working before Bedika|above]] regarding the laws of not eating, working, or learning within a half hour of Tzeit Hakochavim. </ref> | #One shouldn’t eat, work, or learn prior to performing this Bedika, just like one who performs Bedika on the 14th.<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. 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 [[#Eating or working before Bedika|above]] regarding the laws of not eating, working, or learning within a half hour of Tzeit Hakochavim. </ref> | ||
#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. <ref>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. </ref> However, some hold that the Bedika should be made without a Bracha. <ref>Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:287, Chovat Hadar (end of Sefer Dinei Bedikat Chametz), Mishpat HaSechirut 5:32 </ref> | #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. <ref>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. </ref> However, some hold that the Bedika should be made without a Bracha. <ref>Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:287, Chovat Hadar (end of Sefer Dinei Bedikat Chametz), Mishpat HaSechirut 5:32 </ref> | ||
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===Car=== | ===Car=== | ||
#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> Some say that one can check the car with a flashlight by day even initially.<ref>Nitai Gavriel 1:21:1 reasons that since one doesn't use a candle in a car since it is difficult to do so he may check it even during the day like the Eshel Avraham said about checking for chametz in pockets by day.</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. Rav Moshe Feinstein (cited by A Guide to Practical Halacha v. 5 p. 41 n. 2) agrees. 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> Some say that one can check the car with a flashlight by day even initially.<ref>Nitai Gavriel 1:21:1 reasons that since one doesn't use a candle in a car since it is difficult to do so he may check it even during the day like the Eshel Avraham said about checking for chametz in pockets by day.</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> | #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> | ||
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#One should check using a single wax candle and not a torch (or even two candles together).<ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama O.C. 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>Shulchan Aruch and Rama O.C. 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), Haarot of Rav Elyashiv Pesachim 8a, Piskei Teshuvot 431:2. However, Chut Shani (Pesach p. 59) writes that one may not use a flashlight for bedikat chametz.</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 suffices. Yechave Daat 1:4 completely allows using a candle for bedikat chametz. His reasoning is that an electric bulb isn't considered a torch like the Tzitz Eliezer 1:20:11 suggested since it is all a connected unit. Additionally, when people use flashlights they're not afraid that it will start a fire as long as they're careful. Lastly, the filament that is red hot is considered a fire and since the glass is very clear a person can see the candle through the glass. He just concludes that the minhag is to use a candle.</ref> | #If one is unable to use a candle, one should use a flashlight.<ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:11), Haarot of Rav Elyashiv Pesachim 8a, Piskei Teshuvot 431:2. However, Chut Shani (Pesach p. 59) writes that one may not use a flashlight for bedikat chametz.</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 suffices. Yechave Daat 1:4 completely allows using a candle for bedikat chametz. His reasoning is that an electric bulb isn't considered a torch like the Tzitz Eliezer 1:20:11 suggested since it is all a connected unit. Additionally, when people use flashlights they're not afraid that it will start a fire as long as they're careful. Lastly, the filament that is red hot is considered a fire and since the glass is very clear a person can see the candle through the glass. He just concludes that the minhag is to use a candle.</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, Minchat Asher responsa 3:31, Piskei Teshuvot 431:2 saying that such is the minhag, Mishna Halachot 15:92, Shalmei Moed p. 312 citing Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Halichot Shlomo p. 110 fnt. 57, Or Letzion 3:7:7, and 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 Hagadah Shel Pesach Hachazon Ish p. 19, Chut Shani (Pesach p. 59), Chazon Ovadia Pesach p. 40, Orchot Rabbenu (v. 2 p. 2 Pesach n. 6), Shevut Yitzchak Pesach p. 34, and Hilchot Chag Bchag 5:7 p. 78. Rav Shlomo Zalman (Halichot Shlomo) is cited as having turned on the lights. 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. Also, Imrei Sofer (Halichot Vehanhagot 8:6 p. 53) writes that a person should turn off the electric lights when doing bedikat chametz and this was the minhag of the Hitorerut Teshuva (Minhagei Raboteynu 3:4). [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=144287 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Parshat Vayakel Pekudei 5781 min 10)] said that Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank and Rav Chaim Pinchas Sheinburg would turn off the lights before doing the bedika, but most others like Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rav Elyashiv, and Rav Ovadia did not turn off the lights.</ref> | #One doesn’t have to turn off the electric lights while performing the Bedika. Furtherfore, some say that specifically one should turn on the lights because one can check better with the lights on.<ref>Halachos of [[Pesach]] (pg 86) quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein, A Guide to Practical Halacha v. 5 p. 42 n. 5 quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein, Minchat Asher responsa 3:31, Piskei Teshuvot 431:2 saying that such is the minhag, Mishna Halachot 15:92, Shalmei Moed p. 312 citing Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Halichot Shlomo p. 110 fnt. 57, Or Letzion 3:7:7, and 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 Hagadah Shel Pesach Hachazon Ish p. 19, Chut Shani (Pesach p. 59), Chazon Ovadia Pesach p. 40, Orchot Rabbenu (v. 2 p. 2 Pesach n. 6), Shevut Yitzchak Pesach p. 34, and Hilchot Chag Bchag 5:7 p. 78. Rav Shlomo Zalman (Halichot Shlomo) is cited as having turned on the lights. 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. Also, Imrei Sofer (Halichot Vehanhagot 8:6 p. 53) writes that a person should turn off the electric lights when doing bedikat chametz and this was the minhag of the Hitorerut Teshuva (Minhagei Raboteynu 3:4). [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=144287 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Parshat Vayakel Pekudei 5781 min 10)] said that Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank and Rav Chaim Pinchas Sheinburg would turn off the lights before doing the bedika, but most others like Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rav Elyashiv, and Rav Ovadia did not turn off the lights.</ref> | ||
#See also [[Hebrew sources for using a flashlight for Bedikat Chametz]] | #See also [[Hebrew sources for using a flashlight for Bedikat Chametz]] | ||
