WHAT IS THE SALE OF CHAMETZ, AND WHY DO WE DO IT?

On the holiday of Passover, we are commanded not to have any chametz in our possession. Any food that is made out of grain that has been allowed to rise (ferment) is chametz. Common chametz items include bread, cakes, breakfast cereals, pastas, many liquors and more. Any chametz that was in the possession of a Jew during Passover is forbidden, even after Passover ends. This applies even if the chametz is locked up and out of sight. 

So what is someone to do if they want to hold on to their prized Scotch collection or freezer full of challah?

The solution (as explained in the Code of Jewish Law, O.C. 448) is the “Sale of Chametz,” in which the food is sold to a non-Jew before Passover. After the holiday, the non-Jew sells it back, and it can once again be enjoyed.

Below you can find an online form through which you can authorize the rabbi to sell your chametz to a non-Jew on your behalf.

 

Sale of Chametz Form

I, the undersigned, fully empower and authorize Rabbi Mendel Hertz to act on my behalf, to sell all types of chametz, as defined by Torah and Rabbinic law (e.g. chametz, possible chametz, and all kind of chametz mixtures), that may be in my possession, knowingly or unknowingly, wherever it may be; at home, at my place of business, or elsewhere, in accordance with the requirements of Jewish law, as incorporated in the special contract for the sale of chametz. 

This includes also chametz that tends to harden and adhere to surfaces of pans, pots, or cooking utensils, the utensils themselves, as well as pet food that contain chametz and mixtures thereof.

Rabbi Mendel Hertz is also empowered to act as he deems fit to lease all places wherein the chametz may be found, particularly at the address(es) below, and elsewhere.

Rabbi Mendel Hertz is authorized to appoint any agent or substitute in his stead who shall have full right to sell and lease as provided herein.

SELLER AND CHAMETZ INFO


Please complete the form below