About the Sale of Chametz

On the holiday of Passover, we are commanded not to have any Chametz in our possession. Any food that is made out of grain that has been allowed to rise (ferment) is Chametz. Common Chametz items include bread, cakes, breakfast cereals, pastas, many liquors and more. Any Chametz that was in the possession of a Jew during Passover is forbidden, even after Passover ends.This applies even if the chametz is locked up and out of sight.

So what is someone to do if they want to hold on to their prized Scotch collection or freezer full of challah? The solution (as explained in the Code of Jewish Law, O.C. 448) is the “Sale of Chametz” in which the food is sold to a non-Jew before Passover. All such chametz, as well as all chametz utensils that were not thoroughly cleaned, should be stored away. The storage area should be locked or taped shut for the duration of the holiday.

Since there are many legal intricacies involved in this sale, a Rabbi acts as our agent both to sell the chametz to the non-Jew on the morning before Passover, and also to buy it back the evening after Passover ends. After the holiday, the non-Jew sells it back, and it can once again be enjoyed.

Please Note: No matter how early you sell your Chametz, the contract ONLY goes into effect on Shabbat/Saturday Morning, April 12th, at 10:39 am. (You can happily eat your Chametz till then!)

*Please note: Once the Matzah has arrived we will contact you for pickup at the synagogue