AUTHORIZATION FOR THE SALE OF CHAMETZ FOR PASSOVER 5784/2024

According to Jewish Law, Jews are not allowed to have in their possession any chametz (leaven) during Passover.  Literally explained, this means that before Passover, we must throw out all breads, cakes, cookies, dishes, pots, pans – anything that we used during the year and any foods not permitted during Passover.

Recognizing the financial burden this would create, the Rabbis instituted the tradition of “mechirat chametz – selling of the chametz”.  By doing this, a Jew could symbolically sell all of their chametz to a non-Jew for the period of Passover and would technically not own any chametz during Passover.

And thus, the tradition began that during our preparation for Passover, we place all our chametz (dishes and food) in storage that is not opened during Passover.  By the morning before the First Seder, we must symbolically sell our chametz in keeping with the law forbidding us to possess any chametz during Passover.

You may fulfill the obligation of selling your chametz by signing this form below and designating Rabbi Tamar Malino as your representative for the sale of chametz.

There is a tradition of helping those in need, Jewish and non-Jewish while fulfilling this important task.

If you can, please make a donation to support local efforts or national efforts to feed the hungry. It is easy to make online donations to Spokane Area Jewish Family Services, 2nd Harvest, or Mazon.

Remember that your chametz will belong to someone else from April 22 - April 30th an hour after sunset.

Questions? Email Rabbi Malino @ rabbi@spokanetbs.org

I hereby authorize Rabbi Tamar Malino of Temple Beth Shalom, Spokane, WA, to be my agent in selling all chametz that I own.