Mishneh Torah — Leavened & Unleavened Bread (Chametz u-Matzah) הלכות חמץ ומצה, Chapter 2

מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה מִן הַתּוֹרָה לְהַשְׁבִּית הֶחָמֵץ קֹדֶם זְמַן אִסּוּר אֲכִילָתוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות יב טו) "בַּיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן תַּשְׁבִּיתוּ שְּׂאֹר מִבָּתֵּיכֶם". וּמִפִּי הַשְּׁמוּעָה לָמְדוּ שֶׁבָּרִאשׁוֹן זֶה הוּא יוֹם אַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר. רְאָיָה לְדָבָר זֶה מַה שֶּׁכָּתוּב בַּתּוֹרָה (שמות לד כה) "לֹא תִשְׁחַט עַל חָמֵץ דַּם זִבְחִי" כְּלוֹמַר לֹא תִּשְׁחַט הַפֶּסַח וַעֲדַיִן הֶחָמֵץ קַיָּם. וּשְׁחִיטַת הַפֶּסַח הוּא יוֹם אַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר אַחַר חֲצוֹת:

It is a positive commandment from the Torah to destroy chametz before the time it becomes forbidden to be eaten, as). [Exodus 12:15] states: "On the first day, destroy leaven from your homes." On the basis of the oral tradition, it is derived that "the first day" refers to the day of the fourteenth.Proof of this matter is the verse from the Torah [Exodus 34:25]: "Do not slaughter the blood of My sacrifice with chametz," i.e., Do not slaughter the Pesach sacrifice while chametz exists [in your possession]. The slaughter of the Pesach sacrifice was on the fourteenth after midday.

וּמַה הִיא הַשְׁבָּתָה זוֹ הָאֲמוּרָה בַּתּוֹרָה הִיא שֶׁיְּבַטֵּל הֶחָמֵץ בְּלִבּוֹ וְיַחֲשֹׁב אוֹתוֹ כְּעָפָר וְיָשִׂים בְּלִבּוֹ שֶׁאֵין בִּרְשׁוּתוֹ חָמֵץ כְּלָל. וְשֶׁכָּל חָמֵץ שֶׁבִּרְשׁוּתוֹ הֲרֵי הוּא כְּעָפָר וּכְדָבָר שֶׁאֵין בּוֹ צֹרֶךְ כְּלָל:

What is the destruction to which the Torah refers? to nullify chametz within his heart quotes a different version of the text:What is the destruction to which the Torah refers? to remove all chametz known to one from his property. [The chametz] which is unknown should be nullified...This version implies that, according to Torah as well as Rabbinic law (See Halachah 2), we must rid our homes of all chametz of whose existence we are conscious; its nullification is not sufficient.Nevertheless, the Kessef Mishneh brings a number of proofs from the Talmud and also quotes other commentaries of the Rambam, which maintain that the published text is correct and that the nullification of chametz is sufficient according to Torah law. He also quotes Hilchot Berachot 11:15, which emphasizes that "from the moment a person resolves in his heart to nullify it, the mitzvah of destroying [chametz] is fulfilled." and to consider it as dust, and to resolve within his heart that he possesses no chametz at all: all the chametz in his possession being as dust and as a thing of no value whatsoever.

וּמִדִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים לְחַפֵּשׂ אַחַר הֶחָמֵץ בַּמַּחֲבוֹאוֹת וּבַחוֹרִים וְלִבְדֹּק וּלְהוֹצִיאוֹ מִכָּל גְּבוּלוֹ. וְכֵן מִדִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים שֶׁבּוֹדְקִין וּמַשְׁבִּיתִין הֶחָמֵץ בַּלַּיְלָה מִתְּחִלַּת לֵיל אַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר לְאוֹר הַנֵּר. מִפְּנֵי שֶׁבַּלַּיְלָה כָּל הָעָם מְצוּיִין בַּבָּתִּים וְאוֹר הַנֵּר יָפֶה לִבְדִיקָה. וְאֵין קוֹבְעִין מִדְרָשׁ בְּסוֹף יוֹם שְׁלֹשָׁה עָשָׂר. וְכֵן הֶחָכָם לֹא יַתְחִיל לִקְרוֹת בְּעֵת זוֹ שֶׁמָּא יִמָּשֵׁךְ וְיִמָּנַע מִבְּדִיקַת חָמֵץ בִּתְחִלַּת זְמַנָּה:

According to the Sages' decree, 2a).b) In contrast to other prohibited substances, chametz is used throughout the year. Thus, were he allowed to leave chametz within his property, he might accidentally forget about the prohibition and eat it on Pesach (Tosefot, Pesachim 2a).In addition to the restriction against possessing chametz, the Sages further expanded the scope of [the mitzvah involves] searching for chametz quotes a number of examples that demonstrate how the existence of a Torah commandment obligates a person to check and search to see that it is being fulfilled correctly. in hidden places and in any holes [within one's house], seeking it and removing it from all of one's domain..Similarly, according to the Sages' decree, we must search [with the intent to] destroy chametz by candlelight, at night, at the beginning of the night of the fourteenth [of Nisan]. [They instituted the search at that time] 4a). because all people are at home at night, and the light of the candle is good for searching.A study session should not be fixed for the end of the thirteenth of Nisan. explains that leniencies may be made for public study sessions. Shulchan Aruch HaRav and the Mishnah Berurah go further and allow public study sessions even after nightfall, provided the subject matter is not overly involving. Similarly, a wise man should not begin to study at this time, 431:3). lest he become involved, mentions that it is also improper to begin a meal at this time. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 431:2) also prohibits beginning work. Communal prayer is allowed. and thus be prevented from searching for chametz at the beginning of the time.).

אֵין בּוֹדְקִין לֹא לְאוֹר הַלְּבָנָה וְלֹא לְאוֹר הַחַמָּה וְלֹא לְאוֹר הָאֲבוּקָה אֶלָּא לְאוֹר הַנֵּר. בַּמֶּה דְּבָרִים אֲמוּרִים בְּחוֹרִים וּבְמַחֲבוֹאוֹת אֲבָל אַכְסַדְרָה שֶׁאוֹרָהּ רַב אִם בְּדָקָהּ לְאוֹר הַחַמָּה דַּיּוֹ. וְאֶמְצַע הֶחָצֵר אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ בְּדִיקָה מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהָעוֹפוֹת מְצוּיִים שָׁם וְהֵן אוֹכְלִין כָּל חָמֵץ שֶׁיִּפּל שָׁם:

We do not search [for chametz] by the light of the moon, the light of the sun, 1:1). The light of the sun is insufficient to check indoor areas carefully. or the light of a torch; 8a explains that a person will be scared to placed a torch close enough to check small holes and crevices carefully lest he start a fire. only by the light of a candle. To what does this apply? to the holes and hidden places. However, for a porch which has much light, 8a states that the same principle applies to the area directly under an aperture in the roof. The Magen Avraham (Orach Chayim 433:4) also applies this principle to the area directly opposite an open window. searching it by the light of the sun is sufficient. (Orach Chayim 433:1).The middle of a courtyard 8a states "a courtyard need not be searched." The Rambam adds the words "the middle" out of fear that the birds will not eat the chametz in the cracks and holes close to the wall. In this case as well, though other authorities are more lenient, the Shulchan Aruch (ibid. 433:6) quotes the Rambam's opinion. does not need to be searched, because birds are found there, and they eat all the chametz which falls there.

חוֹר שֶׁבְּאֶמְצַע הַבַּיִת שֶׁבֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ זֶה בּוֹדֵק עַד מָקוֹם שֶׁיָּדוֹ מַגַּעַת וְזֶה בּוֹדֵק עַד מָקוֹם שֶׁיָּדוֹ מַגַּעַת וְהַשְּׁאָר מְבַטְּלוֹ בְּלִבּוֹ. אֲבָל חוֹר שֶׁבֵּין יִשְׂרָאֵל לְעַכּוּ"ם אֵינוֹ בּוֹדֵק כְּלָל שֶׁמָּא יֹאמַר הָעַכּוּ"ם כְּשָׁפִים הוּא עוֹשֶׂה לִי אֶלָּא מְבַטְּלוֹ בְּלִבּוֹ וְדַיּוֹ. וְכָל מָקוֹם שֶׁאֵין מַכְנִיסִין בּוֹ חָמֵץ אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ בְּדִיקָה:

A hole (Orach Chayim 433:4) applies the same principle to protrusions extending from a wall. in the middle of [the wall of] the house between a person and his colleague [should be searched by both individuals], each searching to the extent his hand reaches. [Afterwards,] each must nullify in his heart [any chametz in] the remaining portion.[This applies to a hole in a wall separating two Jewish homes.] However, a hole between [the home of] a Jew and a gentile should not be searched at all, lest the gentile fear that the Jew is casting spells against him. All that is necessary for him to do is to nullify it within his heart. (and similarly, the Taz) require the Jew to check the hole for chametz by day.Any place where chametz is not brought in does not need to be searched.

חוֹרֵי הַבַּיִת הַתַּחְתּוֹנִים וְהָעֶלְיוֹנִים וְגַג הַיָּצִיעַ וְרֶפֶת בָּקָר וְלוּלִין וּמַתְבֵּן וְאוֹצְרוֹת יַיִן וְאוֹצְרוֹת שֶׁמֶן שֶׁאֵינוֹ מִסְתַּפֵּק מֵהֶן וּבֵית דָּגִים גְּדוֹלִים אֵינָן צְרִיכִין בְּדִיקָה אֶלָּא אִם כֵּן הִכְנִיס לָהֶן חָמֵץ. אֲבָל אוֹצְרוֹת שֵׁכָר וְאוֹצְרוֹת יַיִן שֶׁמִּסְתַּפֵּק מִמֶּנּוּ וּבֵית דָּגִים קְטַנִּים וּבֵית הָעֵצִים וּבֵית הַמּוּרְיָס וְחוֹרֵי הַבַּיִת הָאֶמְצָעִים וְכַיּוֹצֵא בָּאֵלּוּ צְרִיכִין בְּדִיקָה שֶׁסְּתָמָן שֶׁמַּכְנִיסִין לָהֶן חָמֵץ. וְאִם יָדַע בְּוַדַּאי שֶׁלֹּא הִכְנִיס שָׁם חָמֵץ אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ בְּדִיקָה. וּכְשֶׁבּוֹדֵק הַמַּרְתֵּף בּוֹדֵק מִמֶּנּוּ שְׁתֵּי שׁוּרוֹת הַחִיצוֹנוֹת שֶׁהֵן הָעֶלְיוֹנָה וְשֶׁלְּמַטָּה מִמֶּנָּה:

The upper 433:4) and lower holes (433:8) emphasizes that if children are found at home, these lower holes must also be searched. [in the wall] of a house, the roof of a balcony, a cow stall, chicken coop, 8a, explains that most likely, the animals and the chickens will eat any chametz brought there. Nevertheless, the Shulchan Aruch (ibid. 433:6) qualifies this leniency explaining that it does not apply when a person definitely knows that chametz was brought into these premises one month before Pesach. (See Magen Avraham; the Makor Chayim brings a more lenient opinion.) In such an instance, he must search the premises on the night of the thirteenth by candlelight. hayloft, wine cellars or storage rooms for oil when supplies are not taken from them [in the midst of a meal], and storage rooms for large fish, need not be searched unless one brought chametz into them. In contrast, storage rooms for beer, storage rooms for wine from which supplies are taken [in the midst of a meal], storage rooms for salt, candles, small fish, wood, and brine, the middle holes in a wall, and all similar places must be searched, for chametz is usually brought into them. However, if a person knows that he did not bring chametz into these places, they do not have to be searched. When searching a wine cellar, [all that is necessary to] search are the two outer rows—i.e., the highest row and the one below it.

אֵין חוֹשְׁשִׁין שֶׁמָּא גָּרְרָה חֻלְדָּה חָמֵץ לְמָקוֹם שֶׁאֵין מַכְנִיסִין בּוֹ חָמֵץ שֶׁאִם נָחוּשׁ מִבַּיִת לְבַיִת נָחוּשׁ מֵעִיר לְעִיר וְאֵין לַדָּבָר סוֹף. בָּדַק לֵיל אַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר וְהִנִּיחַ עֶשֶׂר חַלּוֹת וּמָצָא תֵּשַׁע הֲרֵי זֶה חוֹשֵׁשׁ וְצָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק פַּעַם שְׁנִיָּה שֶׁהֲרֵי גָּרְרָה חֻלְדָּה אוֹ עַכְבָּר בְּוַדַּאי:

We do not suspect that a weasel dragged chametz into a place where it is not usually brought. 9a states: "We do not suspect that a weasel dragged chametz from one house to another or from place to place." Rashi explains that this statement applies after the search for chametz was carried out. Once we have searched our homes, we need not worry that rodents brought new chametz there.In contrast, the Rambam interprets the statement as applying before the search. There is no need to suspect that perhaps a rodent took chametz from a place where chametz is usually kept to a place where it is not usually brought. The Kessef Mishneh emphasizes that the two interpretations are not contradictory and both are halachically applicable. Were we to suspect [that chametz would be taken] from house to house, we would also have to suspect [that chametz might be taken] from city to city. There is no end to the matter.A person who checked on the night of the fourteenth and placed ten loaves of chametz [on the side] and [later] found [only] nine must suspect [that chametz is present in his home,] and [hence], must search a second time, (Orach Chayim 439:7) relates that he may stop the second search as soon as one loaf is found. He may presume that this was the loaf that he originally put aside. for definitely it was taken by a weasel or mouse. 9a).As mentioned in Halachot 2 and 3, according to Torah law we need not do anything more than negate our ownership over our chametz. Nevertheless, the Sages also required that we search for chametz and destroy it completely. However, when a person does not nullify his chametz, the obligation to search takes on the severity of a Torah commandment.This and the following halachot (8 through 13) deal with circumstances which raise questions whether a second search is required. Throughout these halachot, the Rambam makes no mention of whether the owner of the house previously nullified his chametz or not. This fact is extremely important, for different principles apply to an obligation required by Torah law from those that apply to one instituted by the Rabbis. Indeed, other Rabbinic authorities (some of whom are quoted in the commentaries to the various halachot) devote much attention to this issue, clarifying at length whether the laws apply:a) only when a person had already nullified (or can still nullify) his chametz, or;b) even when the search for chametz is required by Torah law.Since the Rambam does not explicitly state his opinion on this matter, it is impossible to be sure which perspective he adopts. However, when the chapter is considered in its entirety, it appears that these halachot describe a situation where chametz has already been nullified. Unless specified to the contrary, this should be assumed to be the case. Nevertheless, certain of the leniencies are also applicable even when the search takes on the severity of a Torah obligation.

וְכֵן אִם רָאָה עַכְבָּר שֶׁנִּכְנַס לַבַּיִת וְחָמֵץ בְּפִיו אַחַר בְּדִיקָה צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק פַּעַם שְׁנִיָּה אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁמָּצָא פֵּרוּרִין בְּאֶמְצַע הַבַּיִת אֵין אוֹמְרִין כְּבָר אָכַל אוֹתָהּ הַפַּת בְּמָקוֹם זֶה וַהֲרֵי הַפֵּרוּרִין אֶלָּא חוֹשְׁשִׁין שֶׁמָּא הִנִּיחָה בְּחוֹר אוֹ בְּחַלּוֹן וְאִלּוּ הַפֵּרוּרִין שָׁם הָיוּ. וּלְפִיכָךְ חוֹזֵר וּבוֹדֵק. אִם לֹא מָצָא כְּלוּם הֲרֵי זֶה בּוֹדֵק כָּל הַבַּיִת וְאִם מָצָא אוֹתָהּ הַפַּת שֶׁנְּטָלָהּ הָעַכְבָּר וְנִכְנַס אֵין צָרִיךְ בְּדִיקָה:

Similarly, a person who saw a mouse enter the house with chametz in its mouth after he searched [for chametz] must search a second time. [This applies] even if he found crumbs in the middle of the house; we do not necessarily presume that it already ate the bread in this place and that these are its crumbs. Rather, we suspect that it left the bread in a hole or window, and that these crumbs were [originally] located there. Hence, he must search again. and the Mishnah Berurah (Orach Chayim 438) do not accept this leniency.If he does not find anything, he must search through the entire house. (Orach Chayim 438:1) quotes this opinion as halachah. The Magen Avraham (based on the Tur) is more lenient. Rather than require that the entire house be searched, he maintains that searching the room that the mouse entered is sufficient. If he found the bread that the mouse took when he entered, he need not search [further].

רָאָה תִּינוֹק שֶׁנִּכְנַס לְבַיִת בָּדוּק וּבְיָדוֹ כִּכָּר וְנִכְנַס אַחֲרָיו וּמָצָא פֵּרוּרִין אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ בְּדִיקָה שֶׁחֶזְקָתוֹ שֶׁאֲכָלוֹ וְאֵלּוּ הַפֵּרוּרִין שֶׁנָּפְלוּ מִמֶּנּוּ בִּשְׁעַת אֲכִילָה שֶׁדֶּרֶךְ הַתִּינוֹק לְפָרֵר בְּעֵת אֲכִילָתוֹ וְאֵין דֶּרֶךְ עַכְבָּר לְפָרֵר. וְאִם לֹא מָצָא פֵּרוּרִין כְּלָל צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק:

[A person who] saw an infant enter an already checked house with bread in his hand, followed him inside and discovered crumbs, need not search [again]. (Orach Chayim 438:3) explains that if the child is intelligent enough to reply to questions, we should ask him what he did with the chametz and we may depend upon his reply. We may confidently assume that he ate the bread and that these crumbs fell from him while eating. (Pesachim 10b) require a second search if the amount of crumbs does not equal the quantity of the original bread. The Shulchan Aruch HaRav and the Mishnah Berurah favor the Rambam's opinion only when the person has nullified his ownership over his chametz. If not, the search takes on the seriousness of a Torah commandment. Hence, it must be repeated. Infants generally crumble food while eating, though mice do not.If he does not find any crumbs, he must check [again].

הִנִּיחַ תִּשְׁעָה צְבוּרִין שֶׁל מַצָּה וְאֶחָד שֶׁל חָמֵץ וּבָא עַכְבָּר וְנָטַל וְלֹא יָדַעְנוּ אִם חָמֵץ אוֹ מַצָּה נָטַל וְנִכְנַס לְבַיִת בָּדוּק צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק שֶׁכָּל הַקָּבוּעַ כְּמֶחֱצָה עַל מֶחֱצָה:

Nine piles of matzah and one of chametz were placed [aside]. A mouse came and took [something from one of the piles] emphasizes that this decision applies only when we actually saw the mouse take from the piles. If no one saw the mouse, the ruling mentioned in the last clause of the following halachah applies. and entered a house that had been checked. If we do not know whether it took either chametz or matzah, the house must be checked [again], for every instance where [a doubt arises and the presence of both the permitted and forbidden substances] is fixed, [is judged] as if they were present in equal amounts. 9b draws a parallel to the following passage:Nine butcher shops which all sell ritually slaughtered meat and one which sells meat which has not been slaughtered properly: should a person take meat from one of them without knowing from which he took (i.e., without knowing whether he purchased kosher or non-kosher meat), he must consider [the meat] forbidden because of the doubt involved.In both cases, the permitted and forbidden substances remain in one place, and their existence is therefore considered as fixed (קבוע). In such instances, the fact that there is a much higher probability that the article in question was taken from the permitted substances is not considered significant, and the more stringent perspective is taken. See also Hilchot Ma'achalot Assurot 8:11.Nevertheless, the Ra'avad and other authorities take issue with this halachah, explaining that the Talmud only made such a statement when a person has not nullified his chametz, and the responsibility to search the house stems from the Torah itself. However, if the person already nullified his chametz, the search is only a Rabbinic obligation. Hence, it should be judged more leniently.The Maggid Mishneh explains that even though leniencies may generally be taken when doubts arise concerning Rabbinic obligations, the search for chametz is an exception. The entire obligation was instituted even when there was no definite knowledge that chametz existed. Hence, even in this case, a search must be made.Though the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 439:1) accepts the Rambam's opinion, the Ramah and the other Ashkenazic authorities make the following qualification: If the person had already nullified his chametz and if the bread was small enough for the mouse to have eaten it entirely, a second search is not required.

שְׁנֵי צְבוּרִין אֶחָד שֶׁל חָמֵץ וְאֶחָד שֶׁל מַצָּה וּשְׁנֵי בָּתִּים אֶחָד בָּדוּק וְאֶחָד שֶׁאֵינוֹ בָּדוּק וּבָאוּ שְׁנֵי עַכְבָּרִים זֶה נָטַל חָמֵץ וְזֶה נָטַל מַצָּה וְאֵין יָדוּעַ לְאֵי זֶה בַּיִת נִכְנַס זֶה שֶׁנָּטַל הֶחָמֵץ. וְכֵן שְׁנֵי בָּתִּים בְּדוּקִין וּצְבוּר אֶחָד שֶׁל חָמֵץ וּבָא עַכְבָּר וְנָטַל וְאֵין יָדוּעַ לְאֵיזֶה בַּיִת נִכְנַס. אוֹ שֶׁיָּדַע שֶׁנִּכְנַס לְאֶחָד מֵהֶן וְנִכְנַס אַחֲרָיו וּבָדַק וְלֹא מָצָא כְּלוּם אוֹ שֶׁבָּדַק וּמָצָא כִּכָּר. אוֹ שֶׁהָיוּ תִּשְׁעָה צְבוּרִין שֶׁל מַצָּה וְאֶחָד שֶׁל חָמֵץ וּפֵרַשׁ כִּכָּר מֵהֶן וְאֵין יָדוּעַ אִם חָמֵץ אִם מַצָּה וּבָא עַכְבָּר וְנָטַל הַכִּכָּר שֶׁפֵּרַשׁ וְנִכְנַס לְבַיִת בָּדוּק בְּכָל אֵלּוּ אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק פַּעַם שְׁנִיָּה שֶׁאֵין כָּאן קָבוּעַ:

There were two piles: one of chametz and one of matzah, and two houses: one that had been searched and one that had not been searched. Two mice came; one took chametz and one took matzah [and they entered the houses] without our knowing which house the mouse holding the chametz entered... 13:14, Hilchot Issurei Biyah 9:29 and Hilchot Mikvaot 10:3.Pesachim 10a emphasizes that this leniency is only rendered because once a person has nullified ownership over his chametz, the search is only a question of Rabbinic law. The Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Orach Chayim 439:4) agrees to this principle, but offers an addition leniency: Even if the owner did not nullify his chametz, a second search is not required when the bread the mouse was holding is small enough to be eaten at once.Similarly, there were two houses which had been checked, with one pile of chametz before them. A mouse took [from the pile and entered a house]. However, we do not know which house he entered... 19:2 mentions a similar case, but reaches a more stringent conclusion. Leniency is only offered when the two people in question approach the Rabbis separately. If they come together, the case is judged more severely.The Maggid Mishneh and the Kessef Mishneh both note this matter and explain that since the search for chametz is a question of Rabbinic law, greater leniency can be taken. Nevertheless, the Ramah (Orach Chayim 439:2) and other Ashkenazic authorities do not accept this decision and require a second search, should the owners of both homes approach the court together.or we saw which one he entered, a person followed him, checked [for chametz], and did not find anything... 10a compares this to a case in which a corpse was presumed to be found in a field. Though Rabbi Meir maintains that the field is considered ritually impure until the corpse is found, the halachah follows the Sages, who maintain that all that is necessary is to carry out a thorough search. The Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Orach Chayim 439:6) states that this law applies even when the owner of the house had not nullified his chametz, and the search is required by Torah law.or he checked and found bread... 10a compares this to a case where a field was suspected to contain a grave; the field was searched, and a grave discovered. Though Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel requires the entire field to be searched, Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi maintains that no further search must be made.The Shulchan Aruch HaRav (ibid.) emphasizes that this leniency should only be followed when the owner of the house has nullified or can still nullify the ownership over his chametz. Otherwise, he must thoroughly search the entire house.Similarly, when there were nine piles of matzah and one of chametz, and a loaf became separated from the piles, and we do not know whether it was chametz or matzah: If a mouse took the loaf that became separated and entered the house that had been checked:In 9b concerning the ten butcher shops quoted in the commentary on the previous halachah, continues:[If meat from these shops] is found, follow the majority.The principle of קבוע - judging the permitted and forbidden substances as if they were equal - applies only when the doubt concerning the identity of the substance arises in the place where the presence of the forbidden substance has become fixed. Thus, since the meat has become separated (פירש) from its original place, this principle no longer applies and, as in most cases of mixtures, the decision depends on whether there is a greater number of kosher or non-kosher stores.Similarly, in the case at hand: Since the loaf became separated from the piles before being taken by the mouse, there is no question of a prohibited substance having a fixed identity (קבוע). Hence, we follow the majority, and thus do not require a further search. The Shulchan Aruch HaRav and the Mishnah Berurah emphasize that this leniency applies even if the owner of the house had not nullified the ownership over his chametz. all of these cases, there is no need to check a second time, emphasizes that this is a complete thought in its own right. because the presence of the forbidden substance is not fixed., this statement applies only to the final instance mentioned in the halachah as explained.

הִנִּיחַ הֶחָמֵץ בְּזָוִית זוֹ וּמְצָאוֹ בְּזָוִית אַחֵר אוֹ שֶׁהִנִּיחַ תֵּשַׁע חַלּוֹת וּמָצָא עֶשֶׂר. אוֹ שֶׁבָּא עַכְבָּר וְנָטַל הֶחָמֵץ וְסָפֵק נִכְנַס לְבַיִת זֶה אוֹ לֹא נִכְנַס. בְּכָל אֵלּוּ צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק:

A person who placed chametz in one corner and discovered it in another... 10b explains that the Sages felt that it was likely that the chametz discovered was not the chametz lost. Rather, different chametz was placed in the other corner, and the first chametz, deposited elsewhere throughout the house. Hence, a new search is required (See also Hilchot Mitamei Mishkav U'Moshav 12:16.)The Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Orach Chayim 439:9) states that if the same amount of chametz that was lost is found there is no need to search further if the owner had already nullified the ownership over his chametz. The Mishnah Berurah grants an even greater leniency and frees the owner of the necessity to search, without placing any qualifications on the chametz discovered, as long as he has nullified his chametz.or who put aside nine loaves and found ten... 10a compares this to the following case: "A person put aside 100 dinars of money designated as ma'aser sheni (the second tithe, to be used only to purchase food in Jerusalem) and discovered two hundred."In Hilchot Ma'aser Sheni 6:3, the Rambam declares that none of the money is considered as ma'aser sheni. In both instances, we suppose that the substance put aside was taken away and a new substance substituted for it. Accordingly, the Magen Avraham emphasizes that the owner cannot cease his search until he finds nine piles of chametz. This law applies even if the owner has nullified his ownership over the original nine piles of chametz.or a mouse came and took the chametz, and there is a doubt whether he entered this house or not... 10a likens this to a case when a person traveled through a valley in which one of the fields was known to possess a grave. Though he is unsure of whether he entered the field containing the grave or not, he must consider himself ritually impure (See Hilchot Sha'ar Avot HaTum'ah 20:9.)The Ra'avad's text of the Mishneh Torah contained an additional clause:or there were nine piles of chametz and one pile of matzah: A loaf became separated from them and it is not known whether it was chametz or matzah. A mouse came and took it into a checked house.The Kessef Mishneh rejects the inclusion of this clause because in the previous halachah, the Rambam had already stated that once a substance is separated from its original place, its identity is determined on the basis of the majority.In all these cases, he must search [the house again].

נִכְנַס עַכְבָּר לְבַיִת וְכִכָּר בְּפִיו וְיָצָא עַכְבָּר מִשָּׁם וְכִכָּר בְּפִיו אוֹמְרִים הוּא הָרִאשׁוֹן שֶׁנִּכְנַס הוּא הָאַחֲרוֹן שֶׁיָּצָא וְאֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק. הָיָה הָרִאשׁוֹן שֶׁנִּכְנַס שָׁחוֹר וְזֶה שֶׁיָּצָא לָבָן צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק. נִכְנַס עַכְבָּר וְכִכָּר בְּפִיו וְיָצְאתָה מִשָּׁם חֻלְדָּה וְכִכָּר בְּפִיהָ צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק. יָצָאת מִשָּׁם חֻלְדָּה וְעַכְבָּר וְכִכָּר בְּפִיהָ אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק שֶׁזֶּה הַכִּכָּר הוּא שֶׁהָיָה בְּפִי הָעַכְבָּר. נָחָשׁ שֶׁנִּכְנַס לְחוֹר וּפַת בְּפִיו אֵין חַיָּב לְהָבִיא חֲבָּר לְהוֹצִיאוֹ:

A mouse entered a house with a loaf in its mouth. Afterwards, a mouse left there with a loaf in its mouth; we presume that the same mouse who entered originally was the one which ultimately left, and [the owner] need not search [again]. (Orach Chayim 438:1) follows this decision even when the owner did not nullify his chametz. The Shulchan Aruch HaRav follows his opinion, though the Tur requires the owner to nullify his chametz or search. If the first mouse which entered was black and the one which left was white, 10b). Hence, he must search [again].).If a mouse entered with a loaf in its mouth and a weasel left there with a loaf in its mouth, he must search [again]., ibid.). This applies even if he nullifies his chametz (Pri Chadash, Shulchan Aruch HaRav). If a weasel left there with a mouse and a loaf in its mouth, he does not have to search [again]. ibid.) [We may presume] that this is the loaf which was in the mouse's mouth. and the Shulchan Aruch HaRav explain that this decision applies only when the owner nullifies the ownership over his chametz. In such an instance, the question is only one of Rabbinic law (for according to Torah law, the nullification is sufficient). Hence, the Rambam chooses the more lenient opinion.If a snake enters a hole with a loaf in its mouth, there is no obligation to bring a snakecharmer to remove it., ibid.). Therefore, the Rambam again chooses the more lenient view.

כְּזַיִת חָמֵץ בִּשְׁמֵי קוֹרָה מְחַיְּבִין אוֹתוֹ לְהָבִיא סֻלָּם לְהוֹרִידוֹ שֶׁפְּעָמִים יִפּל מִשְּׁמֵי קוֹרָה. הָיָה חָמֵץ בְּבוֹר אֵין מְחַיְּבִין אוֹתוֹ לְהַעֲלוֹתוֹ אֶלָּא מְבַטְּלוֹ בְּלִבּוֹ וְדַיּוֹ:

When chametz is [discovered] on a very high beam, [the owner] is obligated to bring a ladder and remove it, for it might fall from the beam. (Orach Chayim 438:11) and the Mishnah Berurah explain that this obligation applies even if:a) generally, the owner would not have access to this beam;b) he already nullified his ownership over the chametz. If chametz is in a pit, [the owner] is not obligated to bring it up. emphasizes that a person is not allowed to store chametz in a pit. However, should chametz accidentally fall into the pit before it becomes forbidden... All that is necessary is for him to nullify [ownership over it] in his heart.).The Tosefta (Pesachim 3:3) states: "Chametz which fell into a pit is considered as if it has been destroyed;" implying that even nullification is unnecessary. However, the Tzafnat Paneach differentiates between the two cases, explaining that our halachah refers to a pit to which a person could descend if required. In contrast, the Tosefta refers to a pit which is totally inaccessible, or accessible only with extreme difficulty. Since the owner cannot make use of his chametz, there is no necessity for him to nullify his ownership of it.

כִּפַּת שְׂאוֹר שֶׁיִּחֲדָהּ לִישִׁיבָה אִם טָח פָּנֶיהָ בְּטִיט הֲרֵי זוֹ בְּטֵלָה וּמֻתָּר לְקַיְּמָהּ. בָּצֵק שֶׁבְּסִדְקֵי הָעֲרֵבָה אִם יֵשׁ כְּזַיִת בְּמָקוֹם אֶחָד חַיָּב לְבַעֵר. וְאִם לָאו אִם הָיָה עָשׂוּי לְחַזֵּק בּוֹ שִׁבְרֵי הָעֲרֵבָה אוֹ לִסְתֹּם בּוֹ נֶקֶב בָּטֵל בְּמִעוּטוֹ וְאִם לָאו חַיָּב לְבַעֵר. הָיוּ בּוֹ שְׁנֵי חֲצָאֵי זֵיתִים בִּשְׁנֵי מְקוֹמוֹת וְחוּט שֶׁל בָּצֵק בֵּינֵיהֶם רוֹאִין כּל שֶׁאִלּוּ יִנָּטֵל הַחוּט נִטָּלִין עִמּוֹ חַיָּב לְבַעֵר וְאִם לָאו אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לְבַעֵר:

A block of yeast which was designated to be used as a seat:, Kessef Mishneh Halachah 1:2.) If its surface was coated with mortar, (Orach Chayim 442:42) explains that if the surface of the block is covered with mortar, it does not become forbidden even though it is still fit to be eaten. This act clearly implies that the owner no longer considered the chametz as food. it is [considered as] destroyed and we are permitted to keep it [on Pesach]. emphasizes that only the prohibition against owning chametz is lifted. Even if the chametz is unfit for animal consumption, a person is forbidden to eat it on Pesach should he desire to do so.The dough in the cracks of a kneading trough: If a size of an olive [of dough] exists in one place, one is obligated to destroy [the dough under all circumstances]. emphasizes that this applies even when one has nullified his ownership over this chametz or covered it with mortar. The size of an olive is considered as a significant amount and must be destroyed at all times. Should there be less than that amount: If it serves to reinforce the broken pieces of the kneading trough or to plug a hole, it is [considered] negligible because of its minimal size. If not, one is obligated to destroy it.).The Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Orach Chayim 442:28) explains that dough which has not become stuck to the cracks of the kneading trough must be removed. However, leniency may be taken regarding dough stuck in the cracks of the kneading trough, even though it does not serve a purpose. Should the owner nullify his ownership over his chametz, that dough need not be destroyed if:a) the entire kneading trough contains less than an olive size of chametz stuck to its sides;b) the dough has become dirty and unfit for consumption.Two [quantities of dough, each] half the size of an olive were found in separate places, and a string of dough connects them: We check whether the [pieces of] dough themselves are lifted up when the string of dough is picked up. If they are, one is obligated to destroy [them]. If not, one is not obligated to destroy [them]. 442:35).

בַּמֶּה דְּבָרִים אֲמוּרִים בַּעֲרֵבָה אֲבָל בְּבַיִת אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאִם יִנָּטֵל הַחוּט אֵין נִטָּלִין עִמּוֹ חַיָּב לְבַעֵר מִפְּנֵי שֶׁפְּעָמִים מְקַבֵּץ אוֹתָן. הָיָה חֲצִי זַיִת בַּבַּיִת וַחֲצִי זַיִת בָּעֲלִיָּה. חֲצִי זַיִת בַּבַּיִת וַחֲצִי זַיִת בָּאַכְסַדְרָה. חֲצִי זַיִת בְּבַיִת זֶה וַחֲצִי זַיִת בְּבַיִת שֶׁלִּפְנִים מִמֶּנּוּ. הוֹאִיל וְאֵלּוּ הַחֲצָאֵי זֵיתִים דְּבוּקִין בַּכְּתָלִים אוֹ בַּקּוֹרוֹת אוֹ בַּקַּרְקָעוֹת אֵינוֹ חַיָּב לְבָעֵר אֶלָּא מְבַטֵּל בְּלִבּוֹ וְדַיּוֹ:

To what does the above apply? to [pieces of dough stuck to] a kneading trough. However, [if a similar situation is discovered] within a house, one is obligated to destroy [the dough] even if, when the [connecting] thread [of dough] is lifted up, the pieces of dough are not raised up with it. [This stringency was instituted] because the [smaller portions] may sometimes be brought together. 45b).If half of an olive size [of dough] was found in a house and another half in the second storey;or if half of the size of an olive was found in a house and another half in [the adjoining] porch;or if half of the size of an olive was found in a room and another half in an inner room;Since these portions of dough which are less than the size of an olive are found stuck to the walls, beams, or floors [of the house], 3:2) writes that the dough need not be stuck to the walls of the house. However, the Maggid Mishneh and the Kessef Mishneh oppose that thesis. They argue that the only reason for leniency is that when the dough is stuck to the walls of the house, it is considered as part of the house and not as an entity in its own right. one is not obligated to destroy them. All that is necessary is to nullify them in one's heart. (Orach Chayim 442:30) concludes:The above represents the law itself. However, the Jews are holy and have customarily accepted greater stringencies upon themselves. They scrape away even the slightest amount of chametz, even if it is stuck to the walls of a home or utensil. They have accepted the stringency of scraping down all benches, chairs, and walls that have come into contact with chametz.

הַמַּשְׂכִּיר בַּיִת סְתָם בְּאַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר הֲרֵי זֶה בְּחֶזְקַת בָּדוּק וְאֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק. וְאִם הֻחְזַק זֶה הַמַּשְׂכִּיר שֶׁלֹּא בָּדַק וְאָמְרוּ אִשָּׁה אוֹ קָטָן אָנוּ בְּדַקְנוּהוּ הֲרֵי אֵלּוּ נֶאֱמָנִין שֶׁהַכּל נֶאֱמָנִים עַל בִּעוּר חָמֵץ. וְהַכּל כְּשֵׁרִין לִבְדִיקָה וַאֲפִלּוּ נָשִׁים וַעֲבָדִים וּקְטַנִּים וְהוּא שֶׁיִּהְיֶה קָטָן שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ דַּעַת לִבְדֹּק:

A person who rents out a house on the fourteenth [of Nisan]: 4 and the Shulchan Aruch follows that sequence when discussing these laws.Possibly, the Rambam's choice of sequence can be explained as follows: The motivating principle of many of the previous halachot is that once a person has nullified the ownership over his chametz, the search is merely a Rabbinic obligation. Hence, many leniencies can be taken.Because of that same principle... Behold, [the tenant may operate] under the presumption that it has been searched 4b questions whether we can rely on this presumption or not and does not arrive at a conclusion. Nevertheless, the Rambam's statements can be understood in light of the Pesakim of Rabbenu Asher. He explains that if ownership over the chametz is negated the obligation to search is only Rabbinic. When doubt arises regarding matters of Rabbinic law, the more lenient position may be accepted. and he need not search. (Orach Chayim 437:2) qualifies this statement, requiring the prospective tenant to ask the owner of the house if it has been searched. However, if he cannot possibly ask the owner, he need not search the house. However, this applies only when the tenant has the opportunity to nullify his ownership over any chametz that may be found within the home.[Furthermore,] even if we must assume that the person who rented out the house did not search [it],) should a woman or a minor say: "We have searched it," they are believed, and the Mishnah Berurah emphasize that this law applies only if the chametz has been nullified. Otherwise, the statement of a woman or child may not be relied upon.Generally, a woman's statements are accepted even as regards Torah prohibitions. However, an exception is made in this case because the search for chametz involves much effort. Hence, our Sages worried that perhaps a woman might state that she had made a thorough search even though she had merely made a superficial inspection (Tosefot, Pesachim 4b) for everyone's statements are accepted with regard to the destruction of chametz. (ibid.) states that slaves are believed in matters where a woman's word is accepted. Everyone is acceptable to search [for chametz], even women, slaves, and minors. 58b and Ketubot 28a quote instances where a child's statements are not accepted even with regard to Rabbinic prohibitions. However, we may rely on their word regarding the search for chametz, because they are capable of performing the search. The latter applies only when the minor has sufficient understanding to search.

הַמַּשְׂכִּיר בַּיִת לַחֲבֵרוֹ אִם עַד שֶׁלֹּא מָסַר לוֹ הַמַּפְתֵּחַ חָל אַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר עַל הַמַּשְׂכִּיר לִבְדֹּק. וְאִם מִשֶּׁמָּסַר הַמַּפְתֵּחַ חָל אַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר עַל הַשּׂוֹכֵר לִבְדֹּק. הַמַּשְׂכִּיר בַּיִת בְּחֶזְקַת שֶׁהוּא בָּדוּק וְנִמְצָא שֶׁאֵינוֹ בָּדוּק עַל הַשּׂוֹכֵר לִבְדֹּק וְאֵינוֹ מִקָּח טָעוּת. וַאֲפִלּוּ בְּמָקוֹם שֶׁבּוֹדְקִים בְּשָׂכָר שֶׁהֲרֵי מִצְוָה הוּא עוֹשֶׂה:

A person who rents a house to a colleague: If the fourteenth [of Nisan] falls before [the landlord] gave the keys to [the tenant], 4a) explains that giving the keys to the tenant represents the transfer of ownership of the house to the tenant. Whoever is the rightful owner of the property at the time the obligation to search begins must carry out this mitzvah.However, Tosefot and most other halachic authorities explain that giving the keys does not formalize the act of transfer. Thus, the Maggid Mishneh explains that in this instance, the rental agreement has been concluded beforehand. Nevertheless, since the landlord is still in possession of the keys, the tenant is not able to conduct the search. Hence, the responsibility becomes that of the landlord. the landlord is responsible for searching. 437:1). If the fourteenth falls after the keys have been transferred,, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 437:1) states that this applies only once the rental agreement has been formalized through an acceptable kinyan (act of contract). However, the Mishnah Berurah mentions other opinions that require a search even if the tenant has not formalized the rental agreement. the tenant is responsible for checking.When a person rents out a house under the presumption that it has been searched and [later, the tenant] discovers that it has not been searched, [the tenant] is responsible for searching it and [cannot nullify the transaction by claiming that it was carried out] under false premises. This applies even when it is customary to hire people to search, since, behold, he is performing a mitzvah. 4b explains that the need for searching the house is not the real factor motivating him to retract his agreement, because every Jew desires to perform mitzvot, even if doing so requires financial expense.Based on the Maggid Mishneh, the Ramah (Orach Chayim 437:3) requires the landlord to reimburse the tenant if it is customary to hire people to search. After all, the house was rented with the explicit condition that it had been searched.

הַמְפָרֵשׁ בַּיָּם וְהַיּוֹצֵא בְּשַׁיָּרָא תּוֹךְ שְׁלֹשִׁים יוֹם זָקוּק לִבְדֹּק. קֹדֶם שְׁלֹשִׁים יוֹם אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק. וְאִם דַּעְתּוֹ לַחֲזֹר קֹדֶם הַפֶּסַח צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק וְאַחַר כָּךְ יֵצֵא שֶׁמָּא יַחֲזֹר עֶרֶב הַפֶּסַח בֵּין הַשְּׁמָשׁוֹת וְלֹא יִהְיֶה לוֹ פְּנַאי לְבַעֵר. וְאִם אֵין דַּעְתּוֹ לַחֲזֹר אֵין צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק. וְכֵן הָעוֹשֶׂה בֵּיתוֹ אוֹצָר. תּוֹךְ שְׁלֹשִׁים יוֹם זָקוּק לִבְדֹּק וְאַחַר כָּךְ כּוֹנֵס אוֹצָרוֹ לְתוֹכוֹ. קֹדֶם שְׁלֹשִׁים יוֹם אִם דַּעְתּוֹ לְפַנּוֹתוֹ קֹדֶם הַפֶּסַח צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק וְאַחַר כָּךְ עוֹשֵׂהוּ אוֹצָר. וְאִם אֵין דַּעְתּוֹ לְפַנּוֹתוֹ קֹדֶם הַפֶּסַח אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לִבְדֹּק:

A person who sets out to sea or one who leaves in a caravan within thirty days [of Pesach] is obligated to search 436:1. [for chametz].). However, no blessing is recited (Shulchan Aruch).The Shulchan Aruch emphasizes that this law applies only when a person does not leave anyone else at home (e.g., a wife or older child) who could conduct the search at the customary time. [If he leaves] before thirty days [prior to Pesach], 6a). he is not obligated to search. However, if he intends to return before Pesach,). he must search before departing, 6a). lest he [be delayed and] return Pesach eve at nightfall, and the Mishnah Berurah maintain that this law applies only when the person is going on a sea voyage or caravan where delay is a frequent phenomenon. A person who sets out on a sure land journey is not obligated to search before he departs. when he will have no opportunity to destroy [the chametz]. However, if he does not intend to return, he does not have to search.).Similarly, a person who makes his house a storage room: 6a).However, the Sages explain that this leniency applies only to chametz which accidentally becomes covered by other substances. If he does so within thirty days [of Pesach], he is required to search and then bring in the goods he wants to store. Over thirty days before Pesach: If he intends to remove the goods before Pesach, he is required to search (and the Shulchan Aruch) quote certain opinions that do not obligate a search, explaining that it is far less likely that the person will be delayed in removing his goods and bring about a situation where he will uncover the chametz on Passover eve. and then bring in the goods he wants to store; if he does not intend to remove the goods before Pesach, he does not have to search. (437:15) explains that most authorities allow this leniency only when the owner has only a suspicion, but no definite knowledge of chametz. However, if he definitely knows that chametz is found under the goods, the chametz must be removed. Nevertheless, there are some opinions that do not require the removal of chametz whose existence is known.