Bedikas Chometz

The search for leaven. Bedikas Chometz, occurs Thursday, April 21, 2005 after nightfall. This is the "feather and spoon" activity that all children love!

Before beginning the search one should recite the blessing:

Baruch ata Ado-noy, Elo-heinu Melech ha-Olam, asher kee-dish-anu bi-meetz-vo-sav vi-tzivanu, al bi'ur chametz.

In order that the search can be performed with a blessing in a house that is completely clean, the custom is to distribute ten pieces of bread around the house before the search. Whoever puts out the pieces should make a note of where they are located, in case any are not found during the search.

It is perfectly acceptable to use a flashlight, although many maintain their custom and conduct part or all of the search with a wax candle-which is fun for children. The custom is to use a feather and clean away the bread that is found. Any leaven discovered by the search is carefully set aside to burned the following morning.

Upon completion of the search through the house say the following declaration in English: "All chametz and leaven that is in my possession that I have not seen, that I have not destroyed, and that I do not know about, shall be null and ownerless like the dust of the earth."

This year, on Friday morning, April 22, from 7 AM - 8 AM, Congregation Ohav Sholom (with approval from the Merrick Fire Department) will host Biyur Chometz, the burning of the remaining leaven found during the previous night's search. Although it is early in the morning, it is a great opportunity for our children to participate. Bring your chometz to the community burning!

I look forward to seeing you there!