#2: Cleaning for Pesach (Part 2)
- As mentioned previously, the prohibition of owning chametz on Pesach applies only to chametz that is edible by a dog. Some poskim hold that this applies only to edible chametz larger than a k’zayit, meaning that small crumbs—such as those from bread, crackers, or cereal—do not need to be removed (Magen Avraham; Mishnah Berurah 434). Others maintain that even crumbs are included in the prohibition and must be cleaned and disposed of (Piskei Teshuvot 431; Minchat Asher, Haggadah).
- The common practice follows the stricter opinion. Many contemporary poskim take an in-between approach; that one must search for and remove all edible chametz that one might come to eat. This includes whole pieces of breakfast cereal (e.g., whole Cheerios), small pretzels, croutons, or any other small but edible pieces of chametz. In contrast, tiny crumbs on the floor that no one would ever eat do not need to be searched for or cleaned according to strict halacha, and one may be lenient in this regard. As mentioned previously, all agree that inedible crumbs, dirt, or dust are not included in the obligation to clean.
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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.
