#8: Cleaning for Pesach (Part 7)
- One who has cleaned their house thoroughly for chametz must still perform the required Bedikat Chametz (search for chametz) on the night before Pesach. Some poskim maintain that one must still search the entire house in an exacting manner as if one did not clean at all beforehand (see Piskei Teshuvot 433; Sidur Pesach K’hilchato 13). However, many poskim hold that one need not search every nook and cranny that was cleaned well in the preceding days. Rather, one searches the house normally and verifies from those who cleaned that the previous, more thorough, cleaning was done properly (Kaf Hachaim 433:85; Halichot Shlomo, Pesach ch. 5; Peninei Halachah 4:8). For example, one need not scrutinize each drawer in a closet or cabinet during Bedikat Chametz. Rather, one can give a quick look to make sure there is no obvious chametz and confirm with family members to ensure that it was cleaned properly (see https://www.star-k.org/articles/kashrus-kurrents/6020/bedikas-chometz ).
- Poskim disagree as to whether one who plans to be away from one’s home for the entire Pesach must clean the house beforehand or may simply sell the entire house. Many contemporary poskim recommend cleaning at least a portion of the house, such as one room, so that one can fulfill the mitzvah of removing and searching for chametz (Peninei Halachah 4:11; R. Yaakov Ariel, cited in Oholei Halachah, p.43). It is advisable to consult with one’s local rabbi concerning the details of this situation.
To sign up for the daily halacha via WhatsApp or email, click here.
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.
