MITZVAH MINUTE: Passover Preparations

Chabad.org
Passover Preparations
Adar 19, 5772 · March 13, 2012
Who is this Chametz guy and how do I get rid of him?

"Chametz" means leavened grain. On Passover, not only do we not eat chametz, we mustn't even own it. If a food or drink contains even a trace of wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives and wasn't guarded from leavening or fermentation—it's chametz. Which means that any processed food or drink today can be assumed to be chametz unless certified otherwise.

Problem is, our homes are infested with the stuff. That's why we go on a full spring-cleaning search-and-destroy mission during the weeks before Passover. We attack any and all areas where food may enter (don't bother with places where food never comes). We move the furniture, oven and fridge, search beneath the sofa cushions and wipe chairs, cupboards and bookshelves clean. Then there's the office, the coat pockets and the car.

Problem is, our homes are infested with the stuff. That's why we go on a full search-and-destroy mission
The major target, of course, is the kitchen. After cleaning it, line all surfaces that may come in contact with food with foil or paper.

You'll want separate utensils and appliances for Passover use. If this is not possible, some kitchen items can be made kosher for Passover. Click here for more on this.

The Sellout

Now you're thinking, "What about my Ballantine's 30 Year single malt whiskey and my kid's "Cheerio-Man" masterpiece?" For these items, there's an alternative: Simply ensure that they do not belong to you during Passover.

Take the chametz you want to save—the food, the drinks and the utensils used throughout the year (and not koshered for Passover)—and store them away in a closet or room that you will lock or tape shut. Then, authorize an experienced rabbi to make a legally binding sale according to both Jewish and civil law (click here to do this online). He will sell all your chametz just before Passover and buy it back as soon as the holiday is over. The night Passover ends, you can already break out that single malt for a l'chaim.


Print   |   Post A Comment   |   Read Online   |   More Mitzvah Minutes   |  


Illustrations by Yehuda Lang. To view more artwork by this artist, click here.
Follow Us:   Find Us On Facebook Follow Us on Twitter RSS Feeds

Featured Judaica:

Children's Book of Berachos
Berachos are such marvelous things, connecting us to our Creator and giving us an enhanced appreciation of the blessings that He bestows upon us every day. And they're easy enough for our little ones to say with gusto and excitement.

Price: $15.99  $14.39



Be a Part of it
Enjoyed this email? Please help us continue to share the study of Torah and Jewish traditions:

Dedicate or sponsor an email to mark a special occasion
Make a donation to chabad.org.

 

Subscription Options:
Subscribe to more chabad.org email lists
Subscription Management
Going on vacation?
Unsubscribe

Your subscribed email address is: iqlalsmile.cara@blogger.com
Change email address.

Important Tip:
To guarantee that your subscription emails continue to be delivered to you, please add subscriptions@chabad.org to your address book, or "whitelist" it in any filters or antispam programs you may have.

© Copyright Chabad.org, all rights reserved.   Privacy Policy