SELL YOUR CHAMETZ
One of the mitzvot involved in preparing for Passover is "selling chametz."

Chametz is defined as food containing any amount of leavened product derived from 5 types of specific grain including wheat, barley, oats, and rye. "Leavened" refers to the process of fermentation which results when flour is mixed with water and allowed to sit 18 minutes or longer.

The Torah forbids eating or owning chametz during Pesach.

Since we are forbidden to own chametz during Pesach, we arrange for the sale of the chametz to a non-Jew. The transfer, mekhirat chametz, is accomplished by appointing an agent, usually one's rabbi, to handle the sale. It is a valid and legal transfer of ownership. At the end of the holiday, the agent arranges to repurchase the items on behalf of the owner, since the chametz is again permitted.

By completing the form below, you are allowing VBS clergy to act on your behalf by "selling" any leavened goods in your home. The clergy then write a Shtar Mekhirah (document of sale) and those leavened goods are then considered no longer in your possession throughout Passover. Once your Chametz is "sold", it is traditional to buy it back with a contribution to tzedakah, a worthy cause.

Forms must be submitted by Noon on Monday, April 22, 2024