Chametz Search and Destroy

Note: The following instructions apply on years when Passover begins on a Saturday night.

Thursday Night Before Passover

Once the house is Passover-tidy, it's time to do the search-and-destroy ritual.

After nightfall, gather the family, light a candle, and say:

Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to remove chametz.

Bag the evidence and store away for tomorrow's burning ceremonyThoroughly search your home for any chametz that may have been missed in the cleaning (yes, it happens). Bag the evidence and store away for tomorrow's burning ceremony.

After the search, say:

All leaven and anything leavened that is in my possession – which I have neither seen nor removed and about which I am unaware – shall be considered nullified and ownerless as the dust of the earth.

Notes:

• The kids love this part: Before the search, carefully wrap ten pieces of bread in paper and hide them throughout the house. Just don't forget where you hid them.
• Aside for the candle, it is customary to take along a feather and a wooden spoon.
• Search your car on Friday morning.
• Away from home for the holiday? Ask your rabbi when and how to do the search.

Friday

Last day to sell your chametz! Click here to do so on-line.

Before midday, make a fire and burn the chametz bag plus any other leftover chametz. Other than your challah, all food from hereon should be "kosher for Passover."

Shabbat

Other than your challah, all food from hereon should be "kosher for Passover"At the Shabbat meals, eat the challah – min. 2 oz. – over a napkin. Then flush the napkin with the crumbs down the toilet.

The last chametz meal is Shabbat mid-morning. Click here to find precise local chametz-eating deadlines. Once you've disposed of the last crumbs, say:

All leaven and anything leavened that is in my possession – whether I have seen it or not, whether I have observed it or not, whether I have removed it or not – shall be considered nullified and ownerless as the dust of the earth.

You are now chametz-free—and free to enjoy the liberating Seder experience and the eight-day Festival of Freedom.