Mechirat (Sale of) Chametz
The forms for mechirat chametz can either be emailed back directly to me (rabbi@pinnershul.org) or delivered to me in person before Wednesday 1 April .
The form is available as a Word document click here to make it editable on the computer and does not need to be signed by hand. For those who prefer to print and fill it out by hand, here is a PDF version click here.
NB: Those travelling east for Pesach, including to Israel should note so on the form as chametz will need to be sold earlier in the day or even the day before.
Tuesday 31 March/ 14 Nissan
The Search for Chametz
The search for chametz is carried out on the night before Pesach, Tuesday 31st March/14th Nissan when all the places in a person’s domain into which chametz could have been brought are subject to a thorough search. The search should begin at 8:06pm. Many have the custom of getting others to hide ten pieces of bread in secure plastic bags around the house so that the blessing and the search are not undertaken in vain, but it’s important that those hiding the chametz make a list of the locations, so that all the pieces are found! Before commencing the search, the blessing “asher ki-d’-sha -nu b’-mitz-vo-tav v’-tzi-va-nu al bi-ur chametz” (“who has sanctified us by his commandments, and has commanded us concerning the removal of chametz”) is recited, after which the following declaration is made at the conclusion of the search: “All chametz, leaven or leavened bread in my possession that I have neither seen nor removed nor know about should be annulled and considered ownerless as dust of the earth.” The chametz found should be set aside for burning the following morning.
Wednesday 1 April/14 Nissan
Siyum for Fast of the Firstborn
All Jewish firstborn males, whether firstborn of mother or father, fast on Erev Pesach. In practice, firstborn do not actually fast on this day as long as they attend a “siyum” (the meal celebrating the completion of a Talmudic tractate or an order of Mishnah) which usually takes place immediately after Shacharit. At Pinner Shul, Shacharit on Wednesday 1st April begins at 7am and will be followed by a siyum.
Last Opportunity for Submitting Sale of Chametz Forms
As the Rabbi needs to sell your chametz before halachic midday on Wednesday 1st April, the form giving him authority to do this should be in his possession by first thing in the morning of that date at the latest.
Last Time for Eating Chametz
Chametz on Erev Pesach should not be eaten after 10:55am.
Burning and Nullification of Chametz
The chametz that is to be destroyed should be burned by 12pm on Wednesday 1st April after which the declaration which annuls all ownership of chametz should be recited.
Beginning of Yom Tov
Mincha and Ma’ariv at Pinner Shul, 7:15pm.
Yom Tov begins at 7:17pm when candles should be lit but the Seder should not begin before 8:08pm.
I hope this guide is clear, but if you have any further queries, feel free to email me at rabbi@pinnershul.org .
May we all enjoy a happy and kosher Pesach.
Best wishes,
Rabbi Jason Kleiman