Bedikat Chametz 2026: The Complete Halachic Guide, Blessing, and Nullification Text

Before Bedikat Chametz, one should say:

הֲרֵינִי מוּכָן וּמְזוּמָן לְקַיֵּם מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה וְלֹא תַעֲשֵׂה שֶׁל בְּדִיקַת חָמֵץ לְשֵׁם יִחוּד קוּדְשָׁא בְּרִיךְ הוּא וּשְׁכִינְתֵּיהּ עַל יְדֵי הַהוּא טָמִיר וְנֶעֱלָם בְּשֵׁם כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל. וִיהִי נוֹעֲם אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ עָלֵינוּ וּמַעֲשֵׂה יָדֵינוּ כּוֹנְנָה עָלֵינוּ וּמַעֲשֵׂה יָדֵינוּ כּוֹנְנֵהוּ.

Hareini Muchan U'mezuman Lekayem Mitzvat Aseh Velo Ta'aseh Shel Bedikat Chametz Leshem Yichud Kudsha Brich Hu Ushechinteih Al Yedei Hahu Tamir Vene'elam Beshem Kol Am Israel. Vihi Noam Adonai Eloheinu Aleinu Uma'aseh Yadeinu Konenah Aleinu Uma'aseh Yadeinu Konenehu.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל בִּיעוּר חָמֵץ

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam Asher Kideshanu Bemitzvotav Vetzivanu Al Biur Chametz.

Now the search should be performed, and one should not speak during the process. Immediately after the search, one nullifies the chametz and says:

כָּל חֲמִירָא וַחֲמִיעָא דְאִיכָּא בִרְשׁוּתִי, דְלָא חֲמִתֵּיהּ, וּדְלָא בִעַרְתֵּיהּ, וּדְלָא יְדַעְנָא לֵיהּ, לִבָּטֵל וְלֶהֱוֵי הֶפְקֵר כְּעַפְרָא דְאַרְעָא.

Kol Chamira Vachamia De'ika Virshuti Dela Chamiteih Udla Vi'arteih Udla Yedana Leih Libatel Ve'lehevei Hefker Ke'afra De'ara.

If one does not understand the Aramaic, they should say the nullification in a language they understand. After the search, one should be careful to hide the chametz remaining for the next day, for the burning of the chametz.

Letting Go of Chametz - Rabbi YY Jacobson

Order Of Burning Chametz

On the eve of Passover, one should make a separate bonfire, burn it, and say:

הֲרֵינִי מוּכָן וּמְזוּמָן לְקַיֵּם מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה וְלֹא תַעֲשֵׂה שֶׁל שְׂרֵפַת חָמֵץ לְשֵׁם יִחוּד קוּדְשָׁא בְּרִיךְ הוּא וּשְׁכִינְתֵּיהּ עַל יְדֵי הַהוּא טָמִיר וְנֶעֱלָם בְּשֵׁם כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל. וִיהִי נוֹעֲם אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ עָלֵינוּ וּמַעֲשֵׂה יָדֵינוּ כּוֹנְנָה עָלֵינוּ וּמַעֲשֵׂה יָדֵינוּ כּוֹנְנֵהוּ.

Hareini Muchan U'mezuman Lekayem Mitzvat Aseh Velo Ta'aseh Shel Srefat Chametz Leshem Yichud Kudsha Brich Hu Ushechinteih Al Yedei Hahu Tamir Vene'elam Beshem Kol Am Israel. Vihi Noam Adonai Eloheinu Aleinu Uma'aseh Yadeinu Konenah Aleinu Uma'aseh Yadeinu Konenehu.

And after burning the chametz, one should nullify it and say:

כָּל חֲמִירָא וַחֲמִיעָא דְּאִכָּא בִרְשׁוּתִי דַּחֲזִתֵּהּ וּדְלָא חֲזִתֵּהּ דַּחֲמִתֵּהּ וּדְלָא חֲמִתֵּהּ דְּבִעַרְתֵּהּ וּדְלָא בִעַרְתֵּהּ לִבָּטֵל וְלֶהֱוֵי הֶפְקֵר כְּעַפְרָא דְאַרְעָא.

Kol Chamira Vachamia De'ika Virshuti Dachaziteih Udla Chaziteih Dachamiteih Udla Chamiteih Devi'arteih Udla Vi'arteih Libatel Ve'lehevei Hefker Ke'afra De'ara.

The Blessing Of The Search

·Before the search, one recites the blessing:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִיוָּנוּ עַל בִּיעוּר חָמֵץ

·Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam Asher Kideshanu Bemitzvotav Vetzivanu Al Biur Chametz.

·Ex post facto (Bedi'avad), if one recited the blessing using the phrasing "to remove chametz" instead of "concerning the removal of chametz," they have fulfilled their obligation.

·The reason we do not bless "concerning the search for chametz" but rather "concerning the removal of chametz" is because the entire essence of the search is to remove the chametz.

·A person who searched without a blessing should recite the blessing as long as they have not finished searching; however, if they have already finished the search, they should not recite the blessing at all (as blessings do not invalidate the performance of the commandment itself).

Chametz, Checked: Your Passover Game Plan for Cleaning, Searching, and Getting Rid of It

The Blessing Of Shehecheyanu

·There is a dispute as to whether the "Shehecheyanu" blessing is recited over this search; therefore:

·According to the letter of the law: One should not recite it at all.

·As a measure of piety (Middat Chasidut): One should take a new fruit, and after reciting the blessing over the removal of chametz and beginning the search slightly, take the fruit and recite "Shehecheyanu" over it, thereby exempting this search (of course, one must also recite the appropriate blessing over the fruit and eat it).

Speaking During The Search

·Ideally (L'chatchila), one should not speak at all from the moment the blessing over the removal of chametz is recited until the end of the search.

·The prohibition against speaking during the search applies to matters unrelated to the search; however, it is permissible to speak regarding matters necessary for the search, such as: "Open the door," "I need matches," and the like.

·A person who spoke during the search regarding matters unrelated to the search:

·If they recited the blessing but had not yet begun the search and spoke of unrelated matters: They must repeat the blessing, as there was an interruption between the blessing and the action.

·If they recited the blessing and had already begun the search and spoke of unrelated matters: They do not repeat the blessing, as they have already performed part of the search.

·It is permissible to answer "Amen" during the search, and it is not considered an interruption.

·It is permissible to recite a blessing over thunder and the like during the search, and it is not considered an interruption.

·A person who needs to use the restroom during the search may recite "Asher Yatzar" during the search, out of concern that they might forget to recite it afterward.

Searching Multiple Houses Together

·With a single blessing, one can exempt several houses or shops together. Even if the houses are somewhat distant from one another, the walking is not considered an interruption.

·If the houses are very far apart, one should intend during the blessing "concerning the removal of chametz" recited at home that they wish to fulfill the obligation only for the search in their own home; then, they may recite the blessing a second time for the search in the additional house or shop.

Customs Of The Search

·It is customary to place 10 pieces of bread wrapped in paper—ideally each piece should be less than 18 grams—and scatter them throughout the rooms of the house.

·This custom is not a legal requirement but is a Jewish custom (Minhag Israel), and it is proper to observe it.

·It is good for one of the household members to record where the pieces of chametz were scattered.

·If they did not record where the pieces were placed and several pieces were not found, it does not invalidate the search and there is no need to search the entire apartment again; rather, one relies on the nullification of the chametz performed at the end of the search.

·Some have the custom that the searcher carries a bowl containing a slice of chametz, into which they place the chametz found in the apartment.

·The chametz found in the apartment must be kept and burned the following morning during the time of burning chametz.

·For one who searches prior to the night of the 14th, there is no need to observe the custom of placing ten crumbs in the house.

The Candle For The Search

·The search for chametz must be conducted using a single candle.

·A torch (a candle with multiple wicks where the flames do not touch) is invalid for the search, because a person is afraid to insert it into holes for fear of fire, resulting in an inadequate search.

·If one searched with an invalid candle, they must search again with a valid candle, but they do not recite a blessing over the additional search.

·A candle with multiple wicks that touch one another is considered a single-wick candle and is valid for the search.

·If a valid candle is unavailable, one may search with a small flashlight or an electric candle and one may even recite a blessing over a search conducted with a flashlight.

·A wax candle may be used for the search.

·There is no need to turn off the electric lights in the house during the search.

Places Required And Exempt From Searching

Places Required:

·In the house: Holes and cracks in all corners and rooms of the house, balconies, stairwells, the garden, sideboards, the refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, and any place where food or drink that may contain chametz is stored. In a house with children, one should also search under cabinets and beds. Despite the effort involved, one should search patiently and meticulously. According to the suffering is the reward.

·Vehicles, buses, airplanes: Whether or not they are used during Passover, they require searching even if they were thoroughly washed before the search. However, one does not recite a blessing over this search, as the vehicle search is exempted by the blessing recited at home.

·Synagogue, Study Hall: The synagogue sexton (Shamash) must ensure this search is performed, but they do not recite a blessing over it; rather, the synagogue or study hall is exempted by the blessing recited at home.

Places Exempt:

·A room where chametz is placed and sold on the 14th.

·Books, which may even be studied without any search.

Nullification Of Chametz After The Search

·In addition to the search for chametz, the Sages ordained that the chametz be nullified twice:

1.After the nighttime search.

2.After the burning of the chametz in the morning.

Nullification Of Chametz At Night Immediately After The Search

·After completing the search, one should nullify the chametz and declare it ownerless, saying:

·The text of the nullification:

כָּל חֲמִירָא דְאִיכָּא בִרְשׁוּתִי, דְלָא חֲמִתֵּיהּ וּדְלָא בִעַרְתֵּיהּ, לִבָּטֵל וְלֶהֱוֵי כְּעַפְרָא דְאַרְעָא

·Kol Chamira De'ika Virshuti Dela Chamiteih Udla Vi'arteih Libatel Ve'lehevei Ke'afra De'ara.

·It is customary to recite the text three times.

·To strengthen the nullification, it is good to add the final time: "Libatil Velehvei Hefker".

·One must understand the text of the nullification they are uttering and should say it in a language they understand.

·A person who recites the text of the nullification thinking they are saying a prayer or a request, and does not understand that they are nullifying the chametz, has not fulfilled the obligation of nullification and must repeat it in a language they understand.

Caution After The Search

·After the search, one should hide the chametz found during the search and the chametz intended for consumption in the morning so that it does not scatter throughout the house.

·One must also supervise small children to ensure they do not walk through the house with chametz after the search has been completed.

Agency In The Search - One Who Finds It Difficult To Search Alone Or Cannot Search Personally

·It is a Mitzvah for a person to perform the search themselves, as a Mitzvah performed personally is greater than one performed through an agent.

·However, if a person finds it difficult to search alone and wants household members or others to assist, they should recite the blessing themselves, and the others should intend to fulfill their obligation through that blessing and assist in the search (though the assistants certainly do not recite a blessing). If they did not hear the blessing, they should not assist in the search.

·A person who cannot search their home at all, such as one who is ill or away from home during the time of the search, may appoint an agent to search the house, following these procedures:

·The Agent: Recites the blessing over the search and performs the search. (The homeowner must not recite the blessing, as they are not performing the search).

·The Homeowner: At the conclusion of the search, the homeowner recites the text of the nullification, regardless of where they are located.

·Ex post facto (Bedi'avad), if the agent nullified the chametz instead of the homeowner, the nullification is valid, provided they say: "Kol Chamira De'ika Virshut Ploni [Name], Libatel Ve'lehevei Ke'afra De'ara."

·Women are also obligated in this search; therefore, a woman living alone or female roommates living together must search for chametz with a blessing.

·For a married woman whose husband is not home or is busy with work, the procedure is as follows:

·The Woman: Recites the blessing and performs the search.

·The Husband: At the conclusion of the search, the husband recites the text of the nullification, regardless of his location.

·Ex post facto, if the woman nullified the chametz instead of her husband, the nullification is valid, provided she says: "Kol Chamira De'ika Virshut Ba'ali Libatel Ve'lehevei Ke'afra De'ara."

One Who Forgot Or Failed To Search On The Night Of The 14th

·If one did not search on the night of the 14th: They must search immediately during the day of the 14th and recite the blessing.

·If one did not search during the day of the 14th: They must search on the holiday (Yom Tov) and recite the blessing. If chametz is found on Yom Tov, a vessel should be placed over it since chametz is Muktzah and may not be moved at all, and the chametz should be burned after the conclusion of the holiday.

·If one did not search during the holiday: They must search during the intermediate days (Chol HaMoed) and recite the blessing. If chametz is found, it must be burned.

·If one did not search during the entire Passover: They must search after Passover to ensure they do not violate the prohibition of chametz that remained over Passover, but no blessing is recited for a search conducted after Passover.

One Who Will Not Be Home During The Entire Passover

·A person leaving their home before Passover and who will not return for the duration of the holiday:

·If leaving within 30 days of Passover: They are obligated to search for chametz before leaving but do not recite a blessing. They must also sell their chametz to a non-Jew.

·If leaving more than 30 days before Passover: They are not obligated to perform a formal search, but must clean the apartment of any visible chametz and sell their chametz to a non-Jew.

·One staying at a hotel on the night and day of the 14th who returns home before the holiday begins does not need to search their hotel room.

·For those searching before the night of the 14th, there is no need to observe the custom of placing ten pieces of bread.

One Leaving Home Before Passover Intending To Return For The Holiday

·If it is certain they will return before the time of the search: They search upon their return with a blessing.

·If it is certain they will return after the time of the search: They must search the house before leaving, even if they leave a long time before Passover, but without a blessing.

·If there is doubt whether they will return before or after the time of the search: They must search the house before leaving, even if it is a long time before Passover, without a blessing.

Leaving Home Before Passover Without Knowing If They Will Return

·One who leaves home before Passover and does not know if they will return for the holiday must search before leaving, but without a blessing.

Renting Out A House

·The Lessor: The owner of the apartment.

·The Lessee: The person living in the apartment temporarily.

·If a house is rented on the night of the 14th, the obligation falls on whoever possesses the key to the house on that night. Therefore:

·If the key is with the Lessor: They are responsible for the search.

·If the key is with the Lessee: They are responsible for the search.

·One who rented an apartment before the night of the 14th is responsible for the search, as the apartment was in their possession when the obligation began.

·For any specific questions, one should consult with Torah scholars.

One Staying At A Hotel On The Night And Day Of The 14th (Passover Eve)

·One staying at a hotel on the night and day of the 14th who returns home before the holiday begins does not need to search their hotel room.

General Summary - Searching And Nullifying Chametz On The Night Of The 14th

·On Thursday evening, immediately at nightfall (Tzeit HaKochavim), take a candle.

·Before the search, recite:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִיוָּנוּ עַל בִּיעוּר חָמֵץ

·Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam Asher Kideshanu Bemitzvotav Vetzivanu Al Biur Chametz.

·Search all places where there is a concern or possibility of chametz, including vehicles and synagogues or study halls (if one is the sexton).

·At the conclusion of the search: Recite the text of the nullification.