What is the Sale of Chametz, and why is it done?

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, kinds of pasta, 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?

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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.

 

Chabad of Duluth facilitates this service here at no charge. Note: Halachic authorities have ruled that online authorizations are acceptable for this sale (though transacting the authorization personally with one's rabbi is normally preferable).