The traditional prohibition of Chametz (leavened material) forbids not only consuming Chametz during Passover, but, also owning or deriving any benefit from it. This includes both food products containing any Chametz, but, also any utensils or surfaces used with such food products.
Until modern times, most Jews lived in tiny homes with very little cookware, dining ware, or supplies of food (both because they were poor, but, more importantly because of lack of refrigeration and preservatives). Getting rid of all Chametz (leavened material) and replacing cheap (unglazed) crockery and one’s few (usually wooden) utensils was relatively simple, and because of its poor quality, needed annually.
As kitchen and dining realities changed, disposing of all Chametz and Chametz utensils became financially prohibitive. Rather than simply disregard this essential Mitzvah of Passover, the compromise (still in practice) was to get rid of as much Chametz as possible and then, for the remaining Chametz food products and utensils, to segregate them and place them out of sight, and to arrange for them to be legally sold to a non-Jew (who has no obligation to follow the laws of Passover) for the duration of the holiday (although the Chametz is not physically transferred). The contract of sale specifies the reversion of ownership at the conclusion of Passover. While rarely exercised, technically the non-Jewish purchaser is legally entitled to claim the Chametz while the sale is in effect.
Typically, the Rabbi is authorized to act as one’s agent for arranging for the formal sale of Chametz for the duration of Passover (technically beginning a few hours before the onset of the holiday). Rabbi Sagal is happy to serve as your agent for this purpose, and you may arrange this in person at RJC@CBI or simply sign the form below and send it to him as shown below:
For Rabbi Sagal to perform the sale on your behalf this form must be completed & received by Sunday, 4/21.
