Guide To Cleaning and Kashering for Pesach, and Sale of Chametz Form
Pesach 5772 / 2012
Shalom,
In this document, you will find a variety of resources:
• General guidelines regarding chametz and kitniot
• Principles and instructions to cleaning/kashering for pesach
• A partial list of items that require special Pesach certification
• A form to sell chametz
Additionally, I would like to acknowledge Rabbi Yonatan Cohen, Rabbi Barry Gelman, Rabbi Chaim
Marder and all of those at the OU, Star K and CRC, all of whom have provided resources, expertise and
materials to put together this guide. Much of this guide is their work; I have simply put it together.
Additionally, for specific lists of products that do or do not require a Pesach kosher certification, I
would refer you to the Chicago Rabbinical Council website and guide:
www.crcweb.org/passover2012.php
Finally, I would add one general thought, which one of my aforementioned colleagues pointed out to
his congregation:
“The reason we clean for Pesach is to get rid of chametz that if found on Pesach we would want
to keep. Things like boxes of cookies, bottles of liquor and bottles of perfume fall into this
category. These items can be referred to as “Important Chametz.” Checking for “Important
chametz” is easy to do. One must remember that there is no obligation to destroy chametz
crumbs. The prohibition is eating them on Pesach. Therefore, we must be careful to clean away
any chametz that may come into contact with food. Since the kitchen is the location where most
of our food is prepared, we must be very careful when preparing this room for Pesach.
Still, with all this cleaning, it would be a shame to approach Pesach with a sense of fear and
dread, wishing that you could go to a hotel instead of staying home and cleaning. Would the
Torah decree an action that a normal, intelligent person would consider difficult, especially
during time of happiness and redemption? Moreover, it would certainly be unfortunate to work
so hard before Pesach that you enter the Seder exhausted and barely able to keep your eyes
open.”
Yes, we strive to clean our houses, and rid ourselves of all manners of chametz. However, this is but
one of the many mitzvot associated with Pesach. As such, we have to balance our preparation for Pesach
with our celebration of Pesach. Both are essential but please remember that we cannot accomplish one
without the other.
This guide has been prepared so that one can do a 100% full job of cleaning for Pesach without
sacrificing the joy that Pesach should bring.
Best wishes for a joyous and wonderful Pesach,
Chag Kasher V’Sameach,
Rabbi Aaron Finkelstein
CHAMETZ: PROHIBITIONS AND GUIDELINES
The Torah outlines three types of foods that are prohibited during Pesach: Chametz (leavened bread),
Seor (leavening agent, e.g., yeast), and Machmetzet, a mixture of other foods with chametz.
The Prohibition of Chametz during Pesach is Threefold:
1. One is forbidden to eat chametz (including any amount of chametz mixed into other foods).
2. One is forbidden to derive any benefit from chamtez (sell it, give it to someone, feed it to one’s
animal, make ink from it, etc.).
3. One is forbidden to own any chametz or have any visible chametz on one’s property.
The only exception to this rule is chametz that is no longer in a state fit to be eaten by a dog (chametz
sh’nifsal me’achilat kelev). The practical application of this exception is found in household products that
contain grain, starches or grain alcohol. According to Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, toothpaste -- even if
unsupervised -- can be used because it is nifsal me’achilat kelev. Similarly, soap may be used even if it
contains chametz. Medicine in tablet form, which is swallowed whole, also is not a problem. However,
liquid medicines may contain grain alcohol, which is pure chametz. Throat lozenges also are a problem.
In case of need, please feel free to consult with me personally.
Stringencies of Chametz vis-a-vis Other Prohibited Foods
The eating of chametz during Pesach is punishable by karet, eternal excommunication – it is a more
severe transgression than other prohibited foods. One may derive benefit from many other prohibited
foods – sell them, feed them to the dog, etc. – but not chametz. Furthermore, chametz that is in the
possession of a Jew during Pesach is forever prohibited to any Jew and must be destroyed. (Giving it
away to a non-Jew is considered a benefit, as it gains good will). Chametz that is found in one’s
possession during Chol Hamoed (intermediate days of Pesach) must be destroyed immediately. If it is
found during Yom Tov or Shabbat, it must be covered up, and destroyed immediately after the end of Yom Tov
or Shabbat.
Finally, most other prohibited foods are, under certain circumstances, “cancelled out” if there is a
preponderance of permitted food that “overwhelms” the prohibited food (as, for example, one part in
sixty parts in many cases). Chametz that gets mixed with permitted foods during Pesach is never
“cancelled out” in such a manner, and any bit of chametz makes the entire pot of food prohibited. It is
therefore advisable to buy foods like milk, pure fruit juices and eggs before Pesach when any added
vitamins can be “canceled out” (me’vutal ) in sixty parts of milk.
Kitniot
The consumption of rice, peas, beans, corn, and legumes (kitniot) were prohibited by the Rabbis in
medieval Europe. For centuries, Jews of European origin have steadfastly maintained this tradition of
restricting the eating of kitniot. As these foods are not biblical chametz, benefit from and possession of
kitniot during Pesach is permitted according to Halacha.
Sale of Chametz
In addition to cleaning for Pesach, sale of chametz to a non-Jew is a legally effective way to rid oneself
of chametz. Such a transfer of chametz, through a legal and binding sale with a properly executed
contract, gives the non-Jew full title to all foods listed. This transfer may be carried out through
appointing an agent, with power of attorney, to sell the chametz throughkinyan, formal transfer act and
contract.
For those that wish to sell their chametz through the Prospect Heights Shul, please fill out the form
attached to the last pages of this packet, which you will find on our website. Please note: as a
community, we will be sending such forms on to Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, of Passaic, New Jersey, who
will act as our agent for the sale of chametz this year.
Forms may be sent to Rabbi Finkelstein by email: [email protected], or dropped off at
his home, 234 St. Johns Pl. He will be present to accept forms on Sunday, 4/1, between the hours of 2-5
PM.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY TUESDAY, APRIL 3RD @ 12 PM.
CLEANING AND KASHERING FOR PESACH
It is important to note that dirt is not considered chametz (although it is strongly advisable to maintain
high standards of hygiene!). The obligation to remove chametz applies strictly to chametz, and not
anything else. One must remove chametz from all owned properties, including offices, cars, boats, etc.
Please note, while cleaning, the ideal manner in which to dispose of chametz foodstuffs is to donate
them to non-Jews in need i.e., food banks or homeless shelters.
Once one has bought Kosher for Pesach food, one must render the preparation of this food in a kosher
for Pesach manner. Jewish Law dictates that utensils and location used in food preparations affects
their tastes and halakhic status. These laws are complex and, in cases of even the slightest doubt, do not
hesitate to contact R. Finkelstein.
Here are notes about cleaning and kashering the major appliances/areas in the kitchen:
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•
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Coffee Makers: Coffeemakers that have brewed only unflavored pure coffee: Clean
thoroughly. Replace with new or Pesach glass carafe and new filters. Coffeemakers that have
brewed flavored coffee should be cleaned thoroughly. Do not use for 24 hours. Pour one cup of
water into chamber. Water should be heated in unit and allowed to drip over exposed metal
base. Kasher the glass carafe and plastic filter holder by pouring boiling water all over the
inside and outside of them making sure to wet every spot.
Countertops and Tables: Whether or not a countertop can be kashered depends on the
countertop material. Wood, Formica, Plastic, Corian, Granite, Marble, or Stainless Steel must be
kashered through pouring boiling water over them after they have been cleaned thoroughly.
Ceramic countertops cannot be kashered and should be cleaned and covered for the duration of
Pesach.
Dishwashers: Enamel Dishwashers cannot be koshered. Plastic dishwashers can be kashered as
follows: make sure there are no cracks in the plastic lining of the racks. Clean the inside of the
dishwasher and the racks to remove any crumbs or food that is adhering to any surface. Also, if
your dishwasher has a removable filter it must be cleaned out. Before koshering the dishwasher
it must not be used for 24 hours. Run the dishwasher on the hottest setting using soap. Keep
the racks in to kasher them along with the dishwasher.
Microwaves: To kasher a microwave oven clean thoroughly until absolutely no debris is left.
Special attention must be given to the internal vent of the microwave. After you are satisfied
that there is no debris, the following steps need to be taken. The glass turntable tray should be
removed and replaced. Alternatively, use the microwave without the turntable for Pesach. For
the oven itself, after 24 hours of non use, place a saucer of water inside and turn the microwave
on and allow the microwave to be filled. Repeat the same procedure with the saucer in a
different spot.
Ovens: Self-cleaning ovens should be set to a full self-cleaning cycle. Others should be cleaned
well with a strong cleaning substance, not used for 24 hours, then turned to the highest
temperature for a longer-than-usual cooking period. For various oven permutations (self
cleaning, etc.), please contact R. Finkelstein.
o The Broiler: The broiler pan and grill cannot be kashered by just turning on the gas or
electricity. Since food is broiled or roasted directly on the pan or grill, they must be
heated to a glow to be used on Pesach. If one does not intend to use the broiler on Pesach,
one may still use the oven, even without kashering the broiler, provided that the broiler
has been thoroughly cleaned.
Sinks: If stainless steel or metal, should be cleaned with cleaning substance, followed with
boiling water poured over the entire surface. China or porcelain sinks cannot be kashered in this
•
•
way and one should use a sink insert.
Stovetop Burners: Should be cleaned with a cleaning substance and not used for 24 hours (one
may kasher different burners at different times). Turn to the highest temperature setting for 20
minutes. The base of the stovetop should be covered with tinfoil. For enamel, glass or electric
stovetops, please consult with R. Finkelstein.
Refrigerator/Freezer: Thoroughly clean OR line shelves. BOTH ARE NOT NECCESARY.
Kashering Specific Utensils For Pesach
This area of practice has many complex details and nuances. It is therefore certainly preferable and
admirable to maintain separate utensils for Pesach. That being said, before kashering a utensil, one
needs to clean it thoroughly and be certain there is no food on it. At this point it must be put aside for
a full 24 hours. After this step the paths diverge, depending upon the substance and usage.
• Glass: According to some positions, glass may be kashered for Pesach by soaking it in water for
72 hours, changing the water every 24 hours. Other Ashkenazic authorities maintain that this is
not a valid option. One should follow his or her custom and practice of past years. However
glass utensils used in cooking or baking should not be kashered.
• Metal Pans: Metal utensils that come in direct contact with a heat source or that are only used
for boiling, may be kashered by using ha’galah (placing them in boiling water). However metal
pans that one fries, bakes or roasts in will need libun (burning). The most readily available libun
is placing the utensil in a self-cleaning oven on self-clean.
• Silverware: Metal utensils that have been used for cooking, serving or eating hot chometz may
be kashered by cleaning them thoroughly, waiting 24 hours and then immersing them, one by
one, into a kosher for Pesach pot of water which has been heated and is maintaining a rolling
boil when the vessel is immersed.
A non-kosher- for -Pesach pot may also be used for the purpose of kashering, provided that it is
thoroughly clean and has not been used for 24 hours. However, it is the custom to make the pot kosher
for Pesach before using it for kashering. This can be accomplished by cleaning the pot, leaving it dormant
for twenty-four hours, filling the pot completely with water, waiting until the water comes to a rolling
boil so that the water overflows. The pot is now kashered.
The following KITCHEN ITEMS CANNOT BE KASHERED FOR PESACH. These items DO NOT
HAVE TO BE CLEANED. Even if they are full of crumbs, the mental declaration (bittul) is
sufficient to resolve any concern.
Bread Maker
of porcelain enamel or plastic
Porcelain
Ceramic
coating
Porcelain Enameled Pots
China
George Foreman Grill
Pyrex
Colanders
Grater (any)
Teflon
Corning ware
Knives with loose wood or
Toaster/Toaster Oven
Crock pots
plastic handles
Stoneware
Dishwasher, with an interior
Pasta Maker
Kashering [Non-Kitchen] Household Items/Areas For Pesach:
Bedrooms: The only chametz that you have to look for in a bedroom is “Important Chametz” (see p. 1).
Cars: A car is a place where food decays quickly. It is very unlikely that food found in your car will
find its way back to your kitchen. The car should be checked for IMPORTANT chametz. Other
chametz only has to be removed if you fear it will stick to your clothing and end up in your food.
Cabinets: Cabinets, closets etc. do not need to kashered, lined or covered.
Clothing: Pockets should be checked if you plan on wearing them on Pesach. Cuffs of pants need not
be checked unless you eat with your feet.
Dining Room: Chametz dishes DO NOT have to be removed from a display.
Garbage Pails: Garbage pails do not have to be cleaned since there is no fear that you will want to eat
that kind of chametz. Also, once chametz is put into your garbage pail, your ‘nullification’ before
works 100%.
Toys: The only chametz we are concerned about on toys is chametz that children may eat on Pesach.
Caked on or embedded chametz need not be cleaned before Pesach. Play-dough, glue and shellacked
pasta do not have to be removed, since they are designated as non-food items.
Vacuum Bags: Vacuum bags do not have to be emptied since there is no fear that you will want to eat
that kind of chametz.
ITEMS REQUIRE SPECIAL PESACH SUPERVISION
Below is a partial list of food that REQUIRE SPECIAL PESACH SUPERVISION:
(Please note, this list only includes items one might otherwise assume did not require special Pesach
supervision, but in fact do.)
APPLESAUCE
BABY FOOD
BAKING POWDER and SODA
BUTTER with coloring added
CANDY and CHOCOLATE
CHEESE - HARD
CHEESE SPREADS
COFEE- UNLESS ON LIST BELLOW
COTTAGE CHEESE/RICOTTA
CRANBERRY SAUCE
CREAM CHEESE
FISH – GEFILTE, HERRING,
SMOKED SALMON, & ALL CANNED
FRUITS -- CANNED & FROZEN
HONEY
HORSERADISH (RED AND WHITE)
ICE CREAM
JAMS and JELLIES
JUICES -- WITH ANY ADDITIVES, OR IF NOT
BOUGHT BEFORE PESACH
KETCHUP
MARGARINE
MAYONNAISE
MILK -- IF NOT BOUGHT BEFORE PESACH
NON-DAIRY CREAMER
NUT BUTTERS
OILS & SHORTENINGS -- EVEN PURE
OLIVES
PICKLED PRODUCTS
SAUERKRAUT
SOUR CREAM
SPICES & SEASONINGS
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
SYRUPS
TEAS—FLAVORED
TOMATO PRODUCTS
VEGETABLES -- CANNED & FROZEN
VINEGAR
WINES & LIQUORS
YOGURT
For specific lists of products that do or do not require a Pesach kosher certification, I would refer
you to the Chicago Rabbinical Council website and guides: www.crcweb.org/passover2012.php
POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR SALE OF CHAMETZ
I, __________________________________________________, do hereby appoint
Rabbi Yaakov Glasser of Passaic NJ:
First: To act on my behalf to sell all chametz possessed by me knowingly and
unknowingly as defined by Torah and rabbinic law. Also, all sorts of chametz mixtures, chametz
that tends to harden and adhere to the inside surfaces of pans, pots, cooking utensils or tableware;
all animals and livestock which consume chametz and chametz mixtures. Also, any chametz in
transit that would be delivered to me during the Pesach holiday.
Second: To lease all premises wherein chametz owned by us may be found and
especially the premises of:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
and elsewhere.
Third: We hereby grant Rabbi Yaacov Glasser full and unqualified authority to delegate,
if necessary, any or all of the foregoing powers to any person or persons whom he shall select to
sell my chametz and to lease our property where any chametz is stored.
Fourth: These powers shall be in conformity with all Torah laws and rabbinic
regulations, as well as the laws of the State of New Jersey and State of New York.
______________________
___________________________________________________
(Date)
(Signature)
[see
other
side]
Check appropriate one(s):
____ I am / We are on the premises throughout Pesach
____ A key to the premises (should I/we not be there) is at ______________________________
____ A key to the premises is attached
____ Some chametz listed above is in the State of Israel or other time zones . Please adjust times
of sale for me.
[over]
Amount
Location
Value
Foodstuff
Liquors
Medication
Cosmetics
TOTAL $