Orbit April 2012 - Plainview Jewish Center

Dear Friends,
ORBIT Page 9
SALE OF CHAMETZ
One small phrase in the Torah is all it took to create the frenzy that is now known as “cleaning for
Pesach.” In the book of Exodus we read, “There shall be no leavened products (chametz) in your homes.” As
far as we know, our ancestors always understood this passage literally. Any leavened product, from Play Doh
to bread dough, was to be removed from our homes before sunset on the 15 th of Nisan.
If we are far-sighted planners, we might be able to arrange our menus so that we eat up every last
crumb of chametz before Passover. We certainly can give away un-opened chametz items to Island Harvest
or any other food banks as well.
But most likely, there will be items we cannot use or give away; items that would be very expensive or
inconvenient to replace if we were to throw them out. Rabbis in the Middle Ages recognized this reality, and
created a kind of “legal fiction” to enable us to keep some of our chametz locked away for use after Passover.
This legal fiction, involved transferring authority over all chametz remaining after a certain date to the local
rabbi. The rabbi, in turn, would “sell” the chametz to a non-Jew for a modest down-payment. In theory, the
non-Jew was free to use the chametz during Passover. In fact, the “sold” chametz is separated from Passover
food and placed in a marked and sealed box or cabinet, so that a Jew cannot easily access it, but the non-
Jewish buyer can easily claim it. Should the buyer fail to pay the full purchase price by the end of Passover,
the reaming chametz reverts to its original owners.
While some may see the Sale of Chametz as a bit far-fetched, I believe it embodies Judaism’s ability
to at once be a livable religion that does not impose unrealistic demands on its adherents, but also a religion
that makes change in an evolutionary, not revolutionary way. I am happy to provide the opportunity for us to
sell our chametz this year.
If you would like to participate in the Sale of Chametz, please fill out the form below and return it to the
PJC office by Thursday April 5th. I will be available to personally “buy” chametz at PJC beginning on Monday
March 26 th . I am usually available after morning minyans Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, on Monday,
Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-6:00 PM, and after evening minyans Sunday, Monday,
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Feel free to stop by at other times as well.
Chag Kasher V’samaech, Rabbi Steven Conn
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Delegation Of Power of Attorney for the Sale of Chametz
Know ye that I the undersigned fully empower and permit Rabbi Steven Conn to act in my place and
stead, and in my behalf to sell all chametz possessed by me (knowingly or unknowingly) as defined by
Torah and the Rabbinic law. And to lease all places wherein Chametz may be found, especially in the
premises located at _______________________________________________________
(address—include all residences and businesses)
Rabbi Conn has the full right to sell and lease by transactions, as he deems fit and proper and for
such time which he believes necessary in accordance with detailed forms as explained in the general
authorization contracts which have been given this year to Rabbi Conn to sell the Chametz. This general
authorization is part of that agreement. Also do I thereby give the said Rabbi Conn full power and authority
to appoint a substitute in his stead with full power to sell and to lease as provided herein. The above given
power is in conformity with all Torah, Rabbinical regulations and laws, and also in accordance with the laws
of the State of New York and the United States. And I do hereby affix my signature on this the
______________________ day of _____________ in the year 2012.
Signature: __________________________________ Print Name______________________________
I am pleased to enclose a voluntary donation of $_______ to the PJC Ma’ot Hittim Fund.