Sell You Hametz
Monday, March 1, 2021 • 17 Adar 5781
All Day for 23 Days
During Pesah, the Torah prohibits both the eating and ownership of hametz. Therefore, we arrange for mekhirat hametz, the sale of hametz (which includes both food and utensils) to a non-Jew. This sale can be accomplished by appointing a shaliah (agent) to make the transfer. This is a legal and valid sale. At the end of Pesah, the shaliah arranges to reverse the sale and transfer the hametz (which is now permitted) back to the original owner. If one’s hametz is not sold before the holiday, the use of this hametz is prohibited after the holiday as well (it is known as hametz she-avar alav ha-Pesah).
There is a long-held custom that people give tzedaka at the time that they sell their hametz. For the record, since you are selling your hametz, this money is not specifically connected to the sale. After all, you are selling (not purchasing) so you wouldn’t need to pay. Instead, the money given at this time is referred to as Ma’ot Hitin, money for wheat. The idea was to collect money to help those in need with Passover preparations. Funds collected will be distributed through the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund to those in need.
To appoint Rabbi Rubenstein to sell your hametz, contact him at ravsteven@cbahm.org
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Thu, April 18 2024
10 Nisan 5784
Thu, April 18 2024 10 Nisan 5784
