(Halachot from the Bet Midrash of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef zt"l)
The Laws of Searching for Chametz On the eve of the Fourteenth of Nissan, which will fall out this year (5780) tonight, Tuesday night, one must search for Chametz by candlelight. One is obligated to search in every room in the house where Chametz is found. The same applies regarding balconies, gardens, cars, and the like.
The Proper Time for the Search The proper time for searching for Chametz is when three stars come out (if one was unable to search at this time he may still search and recite a blessing even later on during the night). One may not partake of bread or cake more than a “Kebetza” (approximately 54 grams) before searching for Chametz starting from a half-hour before the proper time of the search. Nevertheless, less than a Kebetza of bread or cake or even more than a Kebetza of fruits, vegetables, rice, and the like, may in fact be eaten before performing the search.
Sunset this year in San Diego is at approximately 7:13pm, which would make the proper time to search for Chametz 7:51pm.
The Customary Ten Pieces of Bread Some have the custom to hide ten pieces of well-wrapped bread throughout the house, so that they may be found by the person searching for Chametz. Those who follow this custom should be exceedingly careful to write down the locations of the ten pieces of Chametz, so that in the event that one (or more) piece(s) is/are not found, they will be able to be located using this list.
Renouncing Chametz After completing the search for Chametz, one must verbally nullify the Chametz by reciting:
“Kol Chamira De’Ika Birshuti De’La Chazitei U’dla Bi’artei Livtil Velehevei Ke’Afra De’Ar’ah.” (English Translation: “Any Chametz (leaven) which is in my possession, which I have not seen and I have not destroyed, is hereby nullified and should be considered like the dust of the earth.”)
One must recite this verbal renunciation in a language one understands, for if not, one does not fulfill one’s obligation of renouncing Chametz. It is customary to repeat the text of the renunciation three times in order to strengthen the matter.
Fast of the Firstborn
As with every year, firstborns have a custom to on the Eve of Pesach.
Fast begins:
5:11am
This year, it is suggested to study something short that will be considered an accomplishment for you - and make a Siyum with the members of your household tomorrow morning.
A suggested text to study is Pirke Avot, Mishnah of Sukkah, or the Laws of Pesach in the Rambam. Links below.
10:42am Latest time for burning Chametz סוף זמן ביעור חמץ
11:46am
The Rabbi will not be burning Chametz publicly this year.
Destroying Chametz
On the morning of the 14th of Nissan, meaning this year (5780) which falls out tomorrow, Tuesday morning, one must eliminate Chametz before the last time to do so arrives. All Chametz must be burnt, renounced, and sold by this time.
The Mitzvah is to get rid of the Chametz - not burn it, necessarily.
The following options are suggested for those who cannot burn Chametz this year:
1. Donate to the poor, homeless, or non-Jewish organization that helps provide food for the needy. OR 2. Discard in the black trash cans outside, as they become city property.
Download your own Haggadah
It's hard to do the Seder alone! But at least make sure you have what you need! A special Hebrew/English Haggadah has been made available for your use!
In the opening paragraph of the Haggadah recited at the Seder, we declare: "All who are hungry, let them come and eat." Each of us as individuals make up a singular entity, and in order to experience freedom ourselves, we must ensure that our brothers and sisters have the means to celebrate freedom too.
It customary to donate a small amount for the sale of Chametz, which may be done by filling out the form above.
This year, the Rabbi asks that you do not give him a gift but instead consider donating via the above form to support Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim through this challenging time.
Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim PO Box 221132 San Diego, CA 92192
