Sell Chametz Online

Selling Chametz Explained

What's Chametz?

Chametz is any food product made from of wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or its derivatives. During Passover it's a mitzvah to get rid of chametz, as it says, "You shall eat nothing leavened, in all your settlements you shall eat unleavened bread." (Ex. 12:20)

Owning Chametz is Prohibited

In addition to not eating chametz, or benefiting from chametz on Passover, Jews are also not permitted to OWN any chametz during Passover.

What do I do With my Chametz?

Sometimes we own chametz we can't or don't want to dispose of permanently, i.e. a whiskey collection, warehouse of cookies, or cases of brownie mix. In the 16th century Jewish scholars created a mechanism called "mechirat chametz" to help people follow the laws of Passover, without incurring great financial losses.

Mechiras Chametz, Selling Your Chametz

Mechiras Chametz, Chametz Sale, is a binding and legal sale of chametz that can be performed before the holiday to a non-Jew. We promise to buy it back after the holiday. While this seems like a loophole, it's a real and binding sale, and ensures we celebrate Passover properly! (The sale is a complex legal procedure that you should not try at home.)

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Does the rabbi buy the chametz?

Contrary to a widespread misconception, Rabbis do not buy the chametz. The individual participating in the sale appoints the Rabbi as an agent to sell the chametz to a non-Jew on Erev Pesach.

Do I have to sell the Chametz at my business?

Yes

Chametz that is owned by a Jewish business must also be sold for the duration of Passover.

Do I have to take the Chametz out of my house or storage?

Place all the chametz in a secure location on your property, and cover the area so it is not visible. If storing on shelves, use paper or other material to cover the shelves containing Chametz.

Can I sell chametz in my perishable items?

Yes

If you are including perishable chametz in your sale, indicate it's location on the chametz sale form, and ensure it's and in a cannot be accidentally accessed during Passover.