Bedikas Chametz
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Bedikas Chametz is the search before the Jewish Holiday of Pesach for Chametz. The search takes place after nightfall on the evening before Pesach (the night of the 14th if the Hebrew month of Nisan, as stated in the Mishnah tractate Pesachim). When Pesach starts on Saturday night, Bedikas Chametz takes place on Thursday night (two nights before Pesach).
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[edit] The Process
Prior to Bedikas Chametz, several (usually ten) pieces of chametz are hidden around the house, preferably by a child if available. These pieces must be small and should be wrapped so that crumbs do not escape[1]. The lights around the house are turned off, and a candle is lit. A blessing is recited if the search is performed on the 14th (or on the 13th when the 14th is on a Friday), but not when an earlier search is performed for various reasons.
Traditionally, a feather and a wooden spoon are used, and whenever a piece of chametz is found (whether one of the hidden pieces or another that is discovered unexpectedly), the feather is used to sweep the piece of chametz into the wooden spoon, which is then used to place it in a bag.
Every part of every room of the house where chametz may possibly be found must be searched using this process. Rooms where chametz is not brought during the past year (such as a bathroom) need not be searched.
[edit] Earlier search
One who is leaving one's property prior to the night of the 14th, but is not selling the property is required to perform a search without a blessing.
[edit] External links
[edit] References
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