Bedikat Chametz

Haggadah Section: Introduction

Translating into "the search for leaven", the Bedikat Chametz is a tradition taking place on the evening before the first night of Passover--or two nights before should that evening fall on Shabbat. Traditionally this search was done with a feather and a wooden spoon, used to sweep the leaven into a bag, and a candle (as in pre-electricity days this was the only way to see in dark spaces while searching). The leaven in the bag was then burned the following morning, along with the feather and spoon, inside the bag.

In modern times, it is acceptable to use a flashlight and a small plastic brush and dustpan; both of the latter must be washed afterwards to properly rid the house completely of leaven.

On this evening, the household is gathered together after nightfall, the candle is lit, and the following blessing is recited:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱלֹהֶינוּ מֶ֫לֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִרְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָ֫נוּ עַל בִּעוּר חָמֵץ

Barukh attah Adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam, asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu al bi’ur chametz.

(BAH-ROOKH AH-TAH AH-DOH-NAI EH-LOH-HEH-NOO MEH-LECH HAH-OH-LAHM / AH-SHER KEE-DEH-SHAH-NOO BEH-MITZ-VOH-TAHV VEH-TZEE-VAH-NOO AL BI-UR KHA-METZ)

Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe, Who sanctifies us with His commandments and commanded us regarding the removal of chametz

To ensure that the blessing is not made in vain, it is customary to take 10 pieces of bread, representing the Ten Plagues of Egypt, wrapped in a flammable material and hide them around the house to be found. In some households the search is made primarily into a game for the children to participate in, while in others the final search is to be made by the father of the house--signifying the role of G-d as our father (male manifestation) in clearing us from bondage and sin, which leaven symbolizes. It is acceptable to do either, or combine both, as best fits your household.

The next morning, at least an hour before midday, the chametz is burned while reciting the Kol Chamira, a declaration relinquishing all unknown chametz that could have been missed in the search from your ownership.

כָּל־חֲמִירָא חֲמִירָא וַחֲמִיעָה דְּאִבָּא בִרְשׁוּתִי, דְּלָא חֲמִתֵּהּ וּדְלא בִעַרְתֵּהּ וּדְלָא יְדַעְנָא לֵהּ לִבָּטֵל וְלֶהֱוֵי הֶפְקֵר בְּעַפְרָא דְאַרְעְא

All chametz and anything leavened that is in my possession, whether I have seen it or not, whether I have observed it or not, whether I have removed it or not, shall be considered nullified and ownerless as the dust of the earth. ”

With that the removal of chametz   was completed.

Inspired to create
your own Haggadah?

Make your own Haggadah and share with other Seder lovers around the world

Have an idea
for a clip?

People like you bring their creativity to Haggadot.com when they share their ideas in a clip

Support Us
with your donation

Help us build moments of meaning and connection through
home-based Jewish rituals.

OUR TOP CONTRIBUTORS

contributor image
Esther Kustanowitz
4 Haggadahs38 Clips
contributor image
JQ International
1 Haggadah40 Clips
contributor image
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
5 Haggadahs109 Clips
contributor image
18Doors
1 Haggadah13 Clips
contributor image
JewishBoston
1 Haggadah78 Clips
contributor image
Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
1 Haggadah36 Clips
contributor image
American Jewish World Service
1 Haggadah44 Clips
contributor image
JewBelong
3 Haggadahs57 Clips
contributor image
Repair the World
12 Clips
contributor image
HIAS
5 Haggadahs48 Clips
contributor image
Be'chol Lashon
2 Haggadahs27 Clips
contributor image
PJ Library
1 Haggadah17 Clips
contributor image
Jewish World Watch
3 Haggadahs42 Clips
contributor image
Secular Synagogue
10 Clips
contributor image
SVIVAH
1 Haggadah9 Clips
contributor image
The Blue Dove Foundation
12 Clips
contributor image
ReformJudaism.org
24 Clips
contributor image
Jewish Emergent Network
1 Haggadah22 Clips

Passover Guide

Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
know more about the holiday? Explore our Passover 101 Guide for answers
to all of your questions.

Haggadot

Haggadot.com by Recustom, is a free resource for all backgrounds and experiences. Consider making a donation to help support the continuation of this free platform.

Copyright © 2024 Custom and Craft Jewish Rituals Inc, dba Recustom, dba Haggadot.com.
All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN: 82-4765805.