The Mitzvah of Selling Chametz and Giving Maot Chittin

As we prepare our homes and hearts for Pesach, one of the essential mitzvot we observe is the removal of chametz. The Torah commands us, “No leaven shall be found in your houses for seven days” (Exodus 12:19). But what happens to the chametz we cannot consume or dispose of before the holiday? What happens to the chametz we do not even realize we still have?

Jewish tradition provides a practical and halachically sound solution: mechirat chametz, the selling of chametz. Through this process, facilitated by me, we transfer ownership of our chametz to a non-Jew, in our case Darren Feltes, for the duration of the holiday, ensuring that we fulfill the mitzvah while preventing unnecessary waste.

However, our preparation for Pesach is not complete if we focus solely on removing chametz from our own homes. We must also ensure that others can fully celebrate the holiday. This is where the beautiful tradition of maot chittin—giving to those in need so they can afford matzah, wine, and other necessities for their own Seder—comes into play. Just as we sell our chametz, we also open our hands to help those who might otherwise struggle to observe the holiday.

Many have the custom of making a tzedakah donation at the time they authorize the sale of their chametz, turning a technical halachic act into a moment of chesed, loving-kindness. This tradition connects us to our ancestors who ensured that no Jew would go without on Pesach, and it strengthens the bonds of our community today.

I invite you to take part in this mitzvah by both selling your chametz and contributing to maot chittin.You can find the form for selling your chametz below. Fill it out and get it into the office by Friday morning April 11 at 9:00 AM.  You can make a donation to my discretionary fund and I will make a donation to the JFSLV Food Pantry before Passover.

Chag Kasher V’Sameach,

Rabbi Bradley Tecktiel

SELL YOUR HAMETZ FILLABLE.pdf

Download PDF • 221KB