Preparations for Passover

Chametz means leavened grain. On Passover, we not only do not eat chametz, but we must not even possess it. If a food or drink contains even a trace of wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt or their derivatives and has not been carefully kept from rising, it is chametz.

Since our homes are full of these products, we must do a thorough cleaning of all the places where food has been stored throughout the year. We move furniture, clean the stove and refrigerator, look under the sofa, and clean chairs and shelves. We check pockets (especially in children's clothing) and books. The greatest emphasis is placed on the kitchen. After cleaning it, we cover all surfaces that come into contact with food.

Regarding the chametz that one wishes to save for after Passover, we must ensure that it does not belong to us. To do this, all the chametz is gathered and stored in a cupboard or room that will remain closed during Passover, and a rabbi is authorized (through a form) to sell that chametz before Passover and repurchase it after Passover.