Mitzvah #153 - Chametz on Erev Pessach

One may not eat Chametz during that time when one could bring the Pessach sacrifice.

Therefore one who eats Chametz on Erev Pessach after noon deserves 39 lashes by Bet Din.

By Rabbinic decree one is forbidden to derive benefit from Chametz already two hours before midday, and one may not eat Chametz from as early as 3 hours before midday on Erev Pessach.

These hours are calculated by dividing the daylight hours by 12.

Applies to everybody, everywhere, on Erev Pessach afternoon.

Verse: "Do not eat on it Chametz" (Devarim 16:3)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 104

- Danny
Monday, 11 Sivan 5770

Mitzvah #63 - Destroying Chametz on Erev Pessach

It's a Mitzva to get rid of all Chametz in ones possession on Erev Pessach before midday.

This includes destroying all Chametz one is aware of, and renouncing ownership of all Chametz one isn't aware of.

By Rabbinic decree this includes searching for Chametz by candlelight the evening before Seder night, unless that is Friday night, in which case one searches on Thursday night.

Applies to everybody, everywhere on 14 Nissan

Verse: "By the first day you shall have destroyed all Chametz" (Shemot 12:15)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Positive Mitzvah 22

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 14 Tevet 5770