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[[Image:Bedikat-chametz.jpg|250px|right]]
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==Texts for Bedikat Chametz==
==Texts for Bedikat Chametz==
# Before one begins the Bedika one should say the following bracha: ברוך אתה ה' אלוקינו מלך העולם אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו על בעור חמץ Baruch Atta Hashem Elokeinu Melech HaOlam Asher Kideshanu BeMitzvotav VeTzivanu Al [[Biur Chametz]].<ref>Tur and Shulchan Aruch 432:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 111:7. See Rosh (Pesachim 1:10) as to why the bracha is with "Al Biur" and not "Leva'er".</ref>The reason that the text is [[Biur Chametz]] and not Bedikat Chametz is because Biur is the beginning of the Biur and if one does Bedika without doing Biur on whatever he finds one hasn't accomplished anything. <ref>Bet Yosef 432:1</ref>
 
===Bracha ===
# Before the Bedika one should make the Bracha of Asher Kidishanu BeMitzvotav VeTzivanu Al [[Biur Chametz]]. <Ref>Tur and S”A 432:1, Kitzur S"A 111:7. Mishna Brurah 432:3 and Chazon Ovadia Part 1 page 44 explain that we don't recite al bedikat chametz because the search is only for the purpose of the destruction.  </ref> If one accidentally made the Bracha of Al [[Bitul Chametz]] after the fact one has fulfilled the obligation. <ref>Mishna Brurah 432:3 </ref> One has also fulfilled his obligation if he recites "livaer chametz." <ref> Chazon Ovadia [[Pesach]] 5763 Part 1 page 44. See Rosh (Pesachim 1:10) as to why the bracha is with "Al Biur" and not "Leva'er". </ref>
# One may not speak between the Bracha and beginning the Bedika, and if one did make an interruption not related to the Bedika one must make another Bracha. <Ref>S”A 432:1, Mishna Brurah 432:5 </ref>
# After one began it’s preferable not to speak until one completes the Bedika, however it’s permissible to speak even in matters not related to Bedika. <Ref>S”A 432:1, Mishna Brurah 432:6 </ref>
# If one didn’t make the Bracha before beginning Bedika one can make it as long as one hasn’t finished Bedika. Nonetheless, if one has finished the Bedika, one should make it without [[Shem UMalchut]] in the morning before burning the Chametz and some say that one may make it then with [[Shem UMalchut]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 432:4 </ref>
# One may make the Bracha on the Bedika with many people listening and then split up for each person to check an area in the house. <Ref>S”A 432:2 </ref>If someone didn’t hear the Bracha and it’s difficult to finish the Bedika without that person’s help, he may help without making a Bracha. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 432:11 </ref>
# If one is checking two houses one may should make only one Bracha and do Bedika on both. <Ref>S”A 432:2 writes that with one Bracha one can perform Bedika in many houses. Mishna Brurah 432:7 quotes a dispute whether one should make another Bracha once one moved from one courtyard to another courtyard. Halichot Shlomo 5:13 rules that one should make one Bracha for Bedika in two houses even if they are in different courtyards. </ref>
# There’s no [[Shehecheyanu]] on the Bedika. <Ref>Bear Hetiev says it’s includes in [[Shehecheyanu]] of [[Yom Tov]], Pri Megadim M”Z 431:2 says it’s not a mitzvah of Simcha, Meiri says there’s no [[Shehecheyanu]] on Bedika which is just done to prevent you from a prohibition. </ref>
# Some say that one should wash one’s hands before performing Bedika. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 432:2 </ref>
 
===Bitul===
# After the Bedika one should recite the following form of [[bitul chametz]]: "כל חמירא וחמיעא דאיכא ברשותי, דלא חזיתיה ודלא בערתיה, לבטיל ולהוי הפקר כעפרא דארעא" meaning "All chametz or leaven in my possession that I have not seen, and have not destroyed, shall be nullified and become ownerless, like the dust of the earth."<ref>Shulchan Aruch 434:2, Mishna Brurah 434:8</ref> For more information, see the [[Bitul Chametz]] page.
# After the Bedika one should recite the following form of [[bitul chametz]]: "כל חמירא וחמיעא דאיכא ברשותי, דלא חזיתיה ודלא בערתיה, לבטיל ולהוי הפקר כעפרא דארעא" meaning "All chametz or leaven in my possession that I have not seen, and have not destroyed, shall be nullified and become ownerless, like the dust of the earth."<ref>Shulchan Aruch 434:2, Mishna Brurah 434:8</ref> For more information, see the [[Bitul Chametz]] page.
==When==
==When==
# One should perform bedikat chametz in the beginning of the night on the fourteenth of Nisan. <ref>Shulchan Arukh 431:1. Mishna Brurah (431:1) writes that according to the Shulchan Arukh one should check after tzeit ha-kochavim. The Gr”a (431:1) cites the opinion of the Ra’avad who says that one should begin while there is still light outside. See Maaseh Rav (#178) who says that the Gra would begin Bedika slightly before [[Tzet HaKochavim]]. Nonetheless, Rabbi Eliyahu Spira in Eliyah Rabbah (431:5) explains that even the Gr”a agrees that one shouldn’t begin until tzeit ha-kochavim, however, at that time there still is a little bit of light outside.</ref>
# One should perform bedikat chametz in the beginning of the night on the fourteenth of Nisan. <ref>Shulchan Arukh 431:1. Mishna Brurah (431:1) writes that according to the Shulchan Arukh one should check after tzeit ha-kochavim. The Gr”a (431:1) cites the opinion of the Ra’avad who says that one should begin while there is still light outside. See Maaseh Rav (#178) who says that the Gra would begin Bedika slightly before [[Tzet HaKochavim]]. Nonetheless, Rabbi Eliyahu Spira in Eliyah Rabbah (431:5) explains that even the Gr”a agrees that one shouldn’t begin until tzeit ha-kochavim, however, at that time there still is a little bit of light outside.</ref>
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==What==
==What==
# Some say that one must remove all Chametz even crumbs. <Ref> Chazon Ish 116:18. See, however, Rosh Pesachim 1:9. </ref>However, most say that there's no obligation to check for crumbs of chametz, but the places where one will have kosher for [[pesach]] food must be cleaned of all crumbs of chametz so that not even a crumb gets into the food which will be eaten on [[Pesach]].<Ref> [http://ph.yhb.org.il/category/%D7%A4%D7%A1%D7%97/04-%D7%91%D7%93%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%AA-%D7%97%D7%9E%D7%A5/ Rabbi Eliezer Melamed in Peninei Halacha] says that the halacha is that one doesn't have to check for crumbs of chametz but in the areas where one will have kosher [[pesach]] food one must remove all crumbs of chametz. He brings the Shaar HaTziyun 442:60 as his proof.</ref>
# Some poskim say that one must search even for crumbs of Chametz and remove them.<Ref> Chazon Ish 116:18 writes that you need to section off chametz crumbs like chametz of a non-Jew (Pesachim 6a). See regarding checking sefarim that the Chazon Ish checked his sefarim for crumbs. See, however, Gemara Pesachim 6b that implies that crumbs aren't significant and don't need bedika. Maharam Chalavah 6b s.v. may maintains that one doesn't need to destroy a crumb less than a kezayit except for dough pieces which could combine into a kezayit. This also seems evident from Piskei Rid 6b and Rosh Pesachim 1:9. Magen Avraham 432:5 also implies that crumbs don't need bedika.</ref>However, most poskim say that there's no obligation to check for crumbs of chametz, but the places where one will have kosher for [[pesach]] food must be cleaned of all crumbs of chametz so that not even a crumb gets into the food which will be eaten on [[Pesach]].<Ref> Pesachim 6b implies that crumbs are unimportant and don't need to be checked for. [http://ph.yhb.org.il/category/%D7%A4%D7%A1%D7%97/04-%D7%91%D7%93%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%AA-%D7%97%D7%9E%D7%A5/ Rabbi Eliezer Melamed in Peninei Halacha] says that the halacha is that one doesn't have to check for crumbs of chametz but in the areas where one will have kosher [[pesach]] food one must remove all crumbs of chametz. He brings the Shaar HaTziyun 442:60 as his proof. Halichot Shlomo ch. 5 fnt. 10 agrees.</ref>
# Chametz that’s buried in the cracks in the floor or between the back of a cabinet and the wall and people can’t reach one doesn’t have to do Bedika there. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 433:4 </ref>
# Chametz that is buried in the cracks in the floor or between the back of a cabinet and the wall and people can’t reach one doesn’t have to do Bedika there. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 433:4 </ref>
 
==Cleaning the House Beforehand==
# One should sweep (or vacuum) the house before the bedika in order to clean it well.<ref>Mordechai (Pesachim 1:536) writes that one should sweep the house before the bedika because without sweeping you can’t check well. Also, he says you need to check besides sweeping because some chametz might get stuck in a hole. This is quoted by the Bet Yosef 433:11 and Darkei Moshe 433:5 and is codified by the Rama 433:11 and Kaf HaChaim 433:84.</ref>
# The minhag is to clean the house well and remove all the chametz from around the house before the bedika, and then do a cursory check of the house without checking every crack or crevice.<ref>Mishna Brurah 433:46, Kaf HaChaim 433:85</ref> The same applies if the house was cleaned and washed well by non-Jews.<ref>Kaf HaChaim 433:86</ref>
# In rooms that you eat chametz you should check under the beds and cabinets, however, in rooms that you don’t eat chametz it is sufficient to sweep under the beds and cabinets without checking there carefully.<ref>Kaf HaChaim 433:24</ref>
 
==Who==
==Who==
# One who is sick must appoint a שליח to do Bedika in his place. <ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:8) </ref>
# One who is sick must appoint a שליח to do Bedika in his place. <ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:8) </ref>
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# If a person leaves one’s house more than 30 days before [[Pesach]] and doesn’t plan to return for [[Pesach]] one doesn’t have to do Bedika but rather just do Bitul when the times comes wherever one is. <Ref>S”A 436:1 </ref>
# If a person leaves one’s house more than 30 days before [[Pesach]] and doesn’t plan to return for [[Pesach]] one doesn’t have to do Bedika but rather just do Bitul when the times comes wherever one is. <Ref>S”A 436:1 </ref>
# If a person leaves one’s house within 30 days of [[Pesach]] and doesn’t plan to return for [[Pesach]] one must do Bedika with a candle the night before one leaves and then do [[Bitul Chametz]] afterwards, however the Bedika is done without a Bracha. <Ref> S”A 436:1 </ref>
# If a person leaves one’s house within 30 days of [[Pesach]] and doesn’t plan to return for [[Pesach]] one must do Bedika with a candle the night before one leaves and then do [[Bitul Chametz]] afterwards, however the Bedika is done without a Bracha. <Ref> S”A 436:1 </ref>
## Since one is not going to be home for [[Pesach]] it’s sufficient to do a proper Bedika according to the law by just looking for the Chametz (though not just a superficial look) and one doesn’t have to drive oneself crazy like one does every year. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 2:30 and 5 </ref>
## Since one is not going to be home for [[Pesach]] it’s sufficient to do a proper Bedika according to the law by just looking for the Chametz (though not just a superficial look) and one doesn’t have to drive oneself crazy like one does every year. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 2:30 and 5 </ref>
# However if possible it’s preferable to appoint a שליח to do Beidika for oneself at the proper time. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 436:1 </ref> Some say that it’s better to do it oneself before going rather than have a non-family member (such as a neighbor) do it for oneself. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 436:1 </ref>
# However if possible it’s preferable to appoint a שליח to do Beidika for oneself at the proper time. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 436:1 </ref> Some say that it’s better to do it oneself before going rather than have a non-family member (such as a neighbor) do it for oneself. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 436:1 </ref>
# If one plans on returning before [[Pesach]] if there’s a fear one will return on Erev [[Pesach]] without time for Bedika one should do it before going, otherwise do it when one returns. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 436:9 </ref>
# If one plans on returning before [[Pesach]] if there’s a fear one will return on Erev [[Pesach]] without time for Bedika one should do it before going, otherwise do it when one returns. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 436:9 </ref>
==Where?==
# One only has to check in area where one would have brought Chametz. <Ref>S”A 431:1, Mishna Brurah 431:4 </ref>
# If one has small children one must do Bedika in all rooms in the house because one doesn’t know where Chametz was brought. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 6 and 7 </ref>
# One should do Bedika on the area where one plans to eat after the Bedika for that night and the next morning and then one should check that area again in the morning. <Ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:2) </ref>
# In an apartment building one person should check the stairwell, closets, etc. for everyone after having made a Bracha for Bedika in his own house (without making interruptions that aren’t relevant to the Bedika). <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 433:3 </ref>
# The minhag is not to do Bedika in the areas where one stores Chametz and is going to sell to a goy for [[Pesach]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 436:32 quotes those who obligate a Bedika and those who exempt and so it’s preferable to sell it on the 13th. However, Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:3) writes that the accepted minhag is not to do Bedika in those areas and only have it sold afterwards. </ref>
# If one's porch is roofed and fenced in, it is considered like any other room that needs to be checked with a bracha. <ref>Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] v. 1, p. 112)</ref>


===Renting one's house to a non-Jew===
===Renting one's house to a non-Jew===
# If one is renting out one’s house and the Chametz in it to a non-Jew for [[Pesach]] one will have exempted oneself from Bedika but it’s not proper to do so, rather it’s correct to rent one’s house except for one room and do Bedika without a Bracha in that room before one leaves for [[Pesach]]. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 2:30 and 5 </ref>
# If one is renting out one’s house and the Chametz in it to a non-Jew for [[Pesach]] one will have exempted oneself from Bedika but it’s not proper to do so, rather it’s correct to rent one’s house except for one room and do Bedika without a Bracha in that room before one leaves for [[Pesach]]. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 2:30 and 5 </ref>
## The room which one leaves not rented in order to Bedika should be a room which one usually brings Chametz otherwise there’ll be no obligation of Bedika and one will have accomplished nothing by leaving that room not rented. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 10:30 and 11:30 </ref>
## The room which one leaves not rented in order to Bedika should be a room which one usually brings Chametz otherwise there’ll be no obligation of Bedika and one will have accomplished nothing by leaving that room not rented. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 10:30 and 11:30 </ref>


===Renters===
===Renters===
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# If the renter has the key to the house at the time of Bedika (14th at [[Tzet HaKochavim]]) and he has made a halachic [[acquisition]] (paying with cash), then he’s obligated to do Bedika. <Ref> S”A 437:1, Mishna Brurah 437:2, Halachos of [[Pesach]] (pg 98) </ref>
# If the renter has the key to the house at the time of Bedika (14th at [[Tzet HaKochavim]]) and he has made a halachic [[acquisition]] (paying with cash), then he’s obligated to do Bedika. <Ref> S”A 437:1, Mishna Brurah 437:2, Halachos of [[Pesach]] (pg 98) </ref>
# However, if the renter has the key to the house but didn’t do a halachic [[acquisition]], many say that the owner is obligated and some say that the renter is obligated. <Ref> S”A 437:1, Mishna Brurah 437:2, Halachos of [[Pesach]] (pg 98) </ref> Certainly the owner or renter can be appointed a שליח by the other and fulfill the obligation of Bedika. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 437:2, Halachos of [[Pesach]] (pg 99) </ref>
# However, if the renter has the key to the house but didn’t do a halachic [[acquisition]], many say that the owner is obligated and some say that the renter is obligated. <Ref> S”A 437:1, Mishna Brurah 437:2, Halachos of [[Pesach]] (pg 98) </ref> Certainly the owner or renter can be appointed a שליח by the other and fulfill the obligation of Bedika. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 437:2, Halachos of [[Pesach]] (pg 99) </ref>
# A person who rents a house for [[Pesach]], the areas which one will put one’s food utensils and actual food should be checked perfectly well. The rest of the house should be checked well, however, the areas which are private areas and the renters are not supposed to open (explicitly mentioned or implicitly understood) the renters do not have to Bedika on those areas. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 16:45 and 19:15 explaining that we assume that the children didn’t put Chametz there and they are even renting those private areas </ref>
# A person who rents a house for [[Pesach]], the areas which one will put one’s food utensils and actual food should be checked perfectly well. The rest of the house should be checked well, however, the areas which are private areas and the renters are not supposed to open (explicitly mentioned or implicitly understood) the renters do not have to Bedika on those areas. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 16:45 and 19:15 explaining that we assume that the children didn’t put Chametz there and they are even renting those private areas </ref>


===Hotel Guests===
===Hotel Guests===
# If one arrives in the hotel before the 14th at night and plans on staying [[Pesach]], then one should perform Bedika in the room with a Bracha. <Ref>Chovat Hadar (end of Sefer Dinei Bedikat Chametz), Siddur [[Pesach]] KeHilchato 12:8, Chag HaMatzot (Halachot VeMinhagim 5:32), Otzar Halachot vol 2 pg 124, Rav Schachter on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 2:30 and 5, Piskei Teshuvot 437:1 </ref> Some maintain that one should check without a Bracha. <Ref>Sh”t Kinyan Torah 1:120, 5:33 </ref>
# If one arrives in the hotel before the 14th at night and plans on staying [[Pesach]], then one should perform Bedika in the room with a Bracha. <Ref>Chovat Hadar (end of Sefer Dinei Bedikat Chametz), Siddur [[Pesach]] KeHilchato 12:8, Chag HaMatzot (Halachot VeMinhagim 5:32), Otzar Halachot vol 2 pg 124, Piskei Teshuvot 437:1. Rav Hershel Schachter on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 4:30 and 5:30 explains that even though the room is cleaned by the cleaning staff before one gets there that doesn't mean it is sufficiently checked so that there's no chametz in there on Pesach. Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz in [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/856001/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-bedikas-chameitz-when-staying-in-a-hotel/ Ten Minute Halacha - Bedikas Chameitz when Staying in a Hotel] agrees. Also, Rav Schachter added that in order to recite a bracha one should bring in some chametz such as a cookies before the time of the bedika. </ref> Some maintain that one should check without a Bracha. <Ref>Sh”t Kinyan Torah 1:120, 5:33 </ref>
## If the room is cleaned well one should bring Chametz into the room before doing Bedika. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 2:30 and 5 </ref>
## If the room is cleaned well one should bring Chametz into the room before doing Bedika. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 2:30 and 5 </ref>
# If one arrives in the hotel on the day of the 14th, if the hotel did a Bedika on the 14th at night one doesn’t need to do Bedika, however, if the hotel didn’t do Bedika, one should do so with a Bracha. <Ref>Siddur [[Pesach]] KeHilchato 12:8, Piskei Teshuvot 437:1 </ref>
# If one arrives in the hotel on the day of the 14th, if the hotel did a Bedika on the 14th at night one doesn’t need to do Bedika, however, if the hotel didn’t do Bedika, one should do so with a Bracha. <Ref>Siddur [[Pesach]] KeHilchato 12:8, Piskei Teshuvot 437:1 </ref>
# If one is a guest in the hotel only for the 14th and plans on leaving before [[Pesach]] one should still do Bedika but without a Bracha. <Ref>Halichot Shlomo 5:19, Piskei Teshuvot 437:1 </ref>
# If one is a guest in the hotel only for the 14th and plans on leaving before [[Pesach]] one should still do Bedika but without a Bracha. <Ref>Halichot Shlomo 5:19, Piskei Teshuvot 437:1 </ref>


===Yeshiva Student===
===Yeshiva Student===
# If a Yeshiva student is leaving his dorm or apartment within 30 days of [[Pesach]], even if he isn’t returning on [[Pesach]], he has an obligation to do Bedikat Chametz the night before he leaves, without a Bracha <ref> The Gemara Pesachim 6a says that one who leaves his house within 30 days of [[Pesach]], should do Biur even if he doesn’t plan on being home during [[Pesach]]. Rambam (Chametz 2:16) explains that this includes doing Bedika. S”A 436:1 agrees. Mishna Brurah 436:6 writes that one should do Bedika with a candle the night before leaving. Rama 436:1 writes that there’s no Bracha for this Bedika since it’s not performed on the night of the 14th. Torat HaYeshiva 14:2 applies this halacha to a Yeshiva student in dorms. </ref>, but with a candle or flashlight <ref>  Halachos of [[Pesach]] (p. 86) quotes Rav Moshe saying that a flashlight is better than using a candle and Rav Aharon Kotler as saying it is equivalent to a candle. Halichot Shlomo 5:11 writes that if one can’t use a candle, one should use a flashlight. Chazon Ovadyah (p. 38) agrees.</ref>, and then do Bitul. <Ref>Taz 436:2 writes that besides the Bedika, one should do Bitul on [[Erev Pesach]]; Magen Avraham 436:1 argues that one should also do Bitul after the Bedika as one does by Bedika on the 14th. Biur HaGra 436:4, Mishna Brurah 436:3, and Kaf HaChaim 436:8 agree.  </ref>  
# If a Yeshiva student is leaving his dorm or apartment within 30 days of [[Pesach]], even if he isn’t returning on [[Pesach]], he has an obligation to do Bedikat Chametz the night before he leaves, without a Bracha <ref> The Gemara Pesachim 6a says that one who leaves his house within 30 days of [[Pesach]], should do Biur even if he doesn’t plan on being home during [[Pesach]]. Rambam (Chametz 2:16) explains that this includes doing Bedika. Shulchan Aruch 436:1 agrees. Mishna Brurah 436:6 writes that one should do Bedika with a candle the night before leaving. Rama 436:1 writes that there’s no Bracha for this Bedika since it’s not performed on the night of the 14th. Torat HaYeshiva 14:2 applies this halacha to a Yeshiva student in dorms. </ref>, but with a candle or flashlight <ref>  Halachos of [[Pesach]] (p. 86) quotes Rav Moshe saying that a flashlight is better than using a candle and Rav Aharon Kotler as saying it is equivalent to a candle. Halichot Shlomo 5:11 writes that if one can’t use a candle, one should use a flashlight. Chazon Ovadyah (p. 38) agrees.</ref>, and then do Bitul. <Ref>Taz 436:2 writes that besides the Bedika, one should do Bitul on [[Erev Pesach]]; Magen Avraham 436:1 argues that one should also do Bitul after the Bedika as one does by Bedika on the 14th. Biur HaGra 436:4, Mishna Brurah 436:3, and Kaf HaChaim 436:8 agree.  </ref>  
# One shouldn’t eat, work, or learn prior to performing this Bedika, just like one who performs Bedika on the 14th. <ref> Pri Megadim E”H 436:1 writes that one who does Bedika the night before leaving his house, shouldn’t eat, work, or learn just like one who performs Bedika on the 14th. Kaf HaChaim 436:7 and Nitei Gavriel 28:4 agree. Kovetz MeBet Levi (Nissan 5761 pg 85) writes that this also applies to a Yeshiva Student doing Bedika in his dorm the night before he leaves. See [[#Eating or working before Bedika|above]] regarding the laws of not eating, working, or learning within a half hour of Tzeit HaCochavim. </ref>
# One shouldn’t eat, work, or learn prior to performing this Bedika, just like one who performs Bedika on the 14th. <ref> Pri Megadim E”A 436:1 writes that one who does Bedika the night before leaving his house, shouldn’t eat, work, or learn just like one who performs Bedika on the 14th. Kaf HaChaim 436:7 and Nitei Gavriel 28:4 agree. Kovetz MeBet Levi (Nissan 5761 pg 85) writes that this also applies to a Yeshiva Student doing Bedika in his dorm the night before he leaves. See [[#Eating or working before Bedika|above]] regarding the laws of not eating, working, or learning within a half hour of Tzeit Hakochavim. </ref>
# If a student in Yeshiva is in Yeshiva on [[Pesach]], he is obligated to perform Bedika in his dorm room and if it’s done on the 14th at night it should be done with a Bracha. <Ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:17), Dinim VeHanhagot 17:18 quoting the Chazon Ish, Siddur [[Pesach]] KeHilchato 12:9, Kovetz MeBet Levi (Nissan 5756), Chut HaSheni ([[Pesach]] pg 88), and Torat HaYeshiva write that a yeshiva student should perform Bedika in his dorm with a Bracha if it’s done on the 14th. </ref> However, some hold that the Bedika should be made without a Bracha. <Ref>Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:287, Chovat Hadar (end of Sefer Dinei Bedikat Chametz), Mishpat HaSechirut 5:32 </ref>
# If a student in Yeshiva is in Yeshiva on [[Pesach]], he is obligated to perform Bedika in his dorm room and if it’s done on the 14th at night it should be done with a Bracha. <Ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:17), Dinim VeHanhagot 17:18 quoting the Chazon Ish, Siddur [[Pesach]] KeHilchato 12:9, Kovetz MeBet Levi (Nissan 5756), Chut HaSheni ([[Pesach]] pg 88), and Torat HaYeshiva write that a yeshiva student should perform Bedika in his dorm with a Bracha if it’s done on the 14th. </ref> However, some hold that the Bedika should be made without a Bracha. <Ref>Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:287, Chovat Hadar (end of Sefer Dinei Bedikat Chametz), Mishpat HaSechirut 5:32 </ref>
# However, if the Yeshiva decides to sell all the rooms to a goy for [[Pesach]], then there’s no obligation to perform Bedika. <Ref>Torat HaYeshiva 14:4 </ref>
# However, if the Yeshiva decides to sell all the rooms to a goy for [[Pesach]], then there’s no obligation to perform Bedika. <Ref>Torat HaYeshiva 14:4 </ref>


===Going to a relative for Pesach===
===Going to a Relative for Pesach===
# If one is staying at a relative for [[Pesach]] and has a room where will one be staying one should participate in the Bedika by listening to the Bracha on the Bedika and then checking the room one will be staying in. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 6 and 7 </ref>
# If one is staying at a relative for [[Pesach]] and has a room where will one be staying one should participate in the Bedika by listening to the Bracha on the Bedika and then checking the room one will be staying in. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 6 and 7 </ref>


===Bungalow Colony===
===Bungalow Colony===
# If one leaves one’s bungalow colony house within 30 days of [[Pesach]] one has to Bedika before one leaves, however if one leaves longer than 30 days before [[Pesach]] one doesn’t have to Bedika and it’s sufficient to do [[Bitul Chametz]] on the Chametz in that house unless one is going to come to the house on [[Pesach]] in which case one has to Bedika before [[Pesach]]. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 11 and 12 </ref>
# If one leaves one’s bungalow colony house within 30 days of [[Pesach]] one has to Bedika before one leaves, however if one leaves longer than 30 days before [[Pesach]] one doesn’t have to Bedika and it’s sufficient to do [[Bitul Chametz]] on the Chametz in that house unless one is going to come to the house on [[Pesach]] in which case one has to Bedika before [[Pesach]]. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 11 and 12 </ref>
 
===Office===
===Office===
# One has to do Bedika in one’s office (if one brings food there), however, one doesn’t have to do it on the night before [[Pesach]], but rather one should do on the night before one leaves the office before [[Pesach]]. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 8 and 11 </ref>
# One has to do Bedika in one’s office (if one brings food there), however, one doesn’t have to do it on the night before [[Pesach]], but rather one should do on the night before one leaves the office before [[Pesach]]. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 8 and 11 </ref>
 
===Areas which were Cleaned before Pesach===
# One has to clean the house before [[Pesach]] and still do Bedika (with a Bracha) the night before [[Pesach]]. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 12:45 and 15:45 </ref>
# If one cleaned a closet completely by removing every single vessel, checked using an electric light and there no small confined areas or hidden places in the closet then it’s considered checked and doesn’t require Bedika.<ref>Mishna Brurah 433:1</ref> However, if there are areas which require close examination (like getting down on one’s hands and knees) one should still do Bedika at the appropriate time. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 12:45 and 15:45 </ref>


==Areas which were cleaned before Pesach==
# One has to clean the house before [[Pesach]] and still do Bedika (with a Bracha) the night before [[Pesach]]. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 12:45 and 15:45 </ref>
# If one cleaned a closet completely by removing every single vessel, checked using an electric light and there no small confined areas or hidden places in the closet then it’s considered checked and doesn’t require Bedika. However, if there are areas which require close examination (like getting down on one’s hands and knees) one should still do Bedika at the appropriate time. <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 12:45 and 15:45 </ref>
===Cracks===
===Cracks===
# Nowadays, one doesn’t have to check in the cracks in the floor because no one actually hides Chametz in the few and small cracks in the floor. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 16 and 16:30 </ref>
# Nowadays, one doesn’t have to check in the cracks in the floor because no one actually hides Chametz in the few and small cracks in the floor. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 16 and 16:30 </ref>
# If a piece of Chametz is too difficult to reach one doesn’t have to go crazy in order to remove that Chametz (and Bitul is sufficient). <Ref> Rav Schachter on [http://www.ou.org/community_services/media/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5770 OU Kosher Pre-Pesach Webcast 5770] between minutes 5:00 and 5:30 </ref>
# If a piece of Chametz is too difficult to reach one doesn’t have to go crazy in order to remove that Chametz (and Bitul is sufficient). <Ref> Rav Schachter on [http://www.ou.org/community_services/media/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5770 OU Kosher Pre-Pesach Webcast 5770] between minutes 5:00 and 5:30 </ref>


==Where?==
# One only has to check in area where one would have brought Chametz. <Ref>S”A 431:1, Mishna Brurah 431:4 </ref>
# If one has small children one must do Bedika in all rooms in the house because one doesn’t know where Chametz was brought. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 6 and 7 </ref>
# One should do Bedika on the area where one plans to eat after the Bedika for that night and the next morning and then one should check that area again in the morning. <Ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:2) </ref>
# In an apartment building one person should check the stairwell, closets, etc. for everyone after having made a Bracha for Bedika in his own house (without making interruptions that aren’t relevant to the Bedika). <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 433:3 </ref>
# The minhag is not to do Bedika in the areas where one stores Chametz and is going to sell to a goy for [[Pesach]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 436:32 quotes those who obligate a Bedika and those who exempt and so it’s preferable to sell it on the 13th. However, Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:3) writes that the accepted minhag is not to do Bedika in those areas and only have it sold afterwards. </ref>
# If one's porch is roofed and fenced in, it is considered like any other room that needs to be checked with a bracha. <ref>Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] v. 1, p. 112)</ref>
===Books===
===Books===
# Many authorities maintain that there is no obligation to check sefarim for Chametz crumbs. <Ref> Halichot Shlomo 5:6 writes that even though there’s a dispute whether the possible existence of crumbs necessitates Bedika, since the crumbs in sefarim would be disgusting sefarim don’t require Bedika. Chazon Ovadyah (p. 35), Or Letzion 1:32, Rav Mordechai Willig in Am Mordechai (p. 154), and Halachos of [[Pesach]] (p. 72) quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein agree. Maaseh Rav #178, however, writes that one should do Bedika on sefarim that he used during a meal. Chazon Ish 116:18 and Mishna Halachot 7:64 agree. Orchot Rabbenu (vol 2 pg 6) records the Steipler and Chazon Ish’s practice to check sefarim in advance of the night of 14th. </ref>If one is going to check one may do so in advance and doesn’t have to wait until the night of the 14th. <ref>Orchot Rabbenu (vol 2 pg 6) regarding the practice of the Steipler and Chazon Ish. </ref>
# Many authorities maintain that there is no obligation to check sefarim for Chametz crumbs.<Ref> Halichot Shlomo 5:6 writes that even though there’s a dispute whether the possible existence of crumbs necessitates Bedika, since the crumbs in sefarim would be disgusting sefarim don’t require Bedika. Chazon Ovadyah (p. 35), Or Letzion 1:32, Rav Mordechai Willig in Am Mordechai (p. 154), and Halachos of [[Pesach]] (p. 72) quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein agree. Maaseh Rav #178, however, writes that one should do Bedika on sefarim that he used during a meal. Chazon Ish 116:18 and Mishna Halachot 7:64 agree. Orchot Rabbenu (vol 2 pg 6) records the Steipler and Chazon Ish’s practice to check sefarim in advance of the night of 14th. </ref> If one is going to check one may do so in advance and doesn’t have to wait until the night of the 14th. <ref>Orchot Rabbenu (vol 2 pg 6) regarding the practice of the Steipler and Chazon Ish. </ref>
# Benchers and Zemiros booklets of the rest of the year should not be used on [[Pesach]] but rather sold to a non-Jew with [[Mechirat Chametz]]. <Ref>Halachos of [[Pesach]] (Rabbi Eider; pg 72) </ref>
# Benchers and Zemiros booklets of the rest of the year should not be used on [[Pesach]] but rather sold to a non-Jew with [[Mechirat Chametz]]. <Ref>Halachos of [[Pesach]] (Rabbi Eider; pg 72) </ref>


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===Renting or selling the house to a non-Jew===
===Renting or selling the house to a non-Jew===
# If one is not going to be home on [[Pesach]] and sell the house to a goy, it’s improper not to do Bedika. <Ref> Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, pg 101 note 14) </ref>
# If one is not going to be home on [[Pesach]] and sell the house to a goy, it’s improper not to do Bedika. <Ref> Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, pg 101 note 14) </ref>
===One's office===
===One's office===
# Some say that one should do Bedika in the place where one works at night using a candle. <Ref> Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:4) </ref> while others say that that it doesn’t have to be done on the night of the 14th rather one should do it the last day one is there before the 14th of Nissan. Additionally, it doesn’t have to be done with a candle nor does one have to put out pieces of Chametz. No bracha is made on this bedika. <Ref> Rabbi Sobolofsky at [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/759810/Rabbi_Zvi_Sobolofsky/Pesach_Issues_in_the_Workplace yutorah.org] between minutes 2 and 4 </ref>
# Some say that one should do Bedika in the place where one works at night using a candle. <Ref> Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:4) </ref> while others say that that it doesn’t have to be done on the night of the 14th rather one should do it the last day one is there before the 14th of Nissan. Additionally, it doesn’t have to be done with a candle nor does one have to put out pieces of Chametz. No bracha is made on this bedika. <Ref> Rabbi Sobolofsky at [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/759810/Rabbi_Zvi_Sobolofsky/Pesach_Issues_in_the_Workplace yutorah.org] between minutes 2 and 4 </ref>
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# A person shouldn’t start a job or start eating (a KeBeitzah of bread) from a half hour before [[Tzet HaKochavim]], until one has done Bedika. <Ref>S”A 431:2, Mishna Brurah 432:5-6 </ref> However, one may continue to eat fruit a half hour before [[Tzet HaKochavim]], but not after [[Tzet HaKochavim]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 432:6 </ref>
# A person shouldn’t start a job or start eating (a KeBeitzah of bread) from a half hour before [[Tzet HaKochavim]], until one has done Bedika. <Ref>S”A 431:2, Mishna Brurah 432:5-6 </ref> However, one may continue to eat fruit a half hour before [[Tzet HaKochavim]], but not after [[Tzet HaKochavim]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 432:6 </ref>
# A person shouldn’t start learning from [[Tzet HaKochavim]] until one has done Bedika. Some add that one may not learn from a half hour before [[Tzet HaKochavim]] and some permit until [[Tzet HaKochavim]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 431:7 </ref>
# A person shouldn’t start learning from [[Tzet HaKochavim]] until one has done Bedika. Some add that one may not learn from a half hour before [[Tzet HaKochavim]] and some permit until [[Tzet HaKochavim]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 431:7 </ref>
# If one began to learn, work, or eat during the day and continued into the night, according to Sephardim one doesn’t have to stop to do Bedika, and according to Ashkenazim one must stop at [[Tzet HaKochavim]] in order to perform Bedika. <Ref>S”A and Rama 431:2, Mishna Brurah 431:12 </ref>
# If one began to learn, work, or eat during the day and continued into the night, according to Sephardim one doesn’t have to stop to do Bedika, and according to Ashkenazim one must stop at [[Tzet HaKochavim]] in order to perform Bedika. <Ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama 431:2, Mishna Brurah 431:12 </ref>
# Even someone who is doing bedika the night before he leaves shouldn't eat or do activities beforehand after nightfall.<ref>Pri Megadim E”A 436:1 writes that one who does Bedika the night before leaving his house, shouldn’t eat, work, or learn just like one who performs Bedika on the 14th. Kaf HaChaim 436:7 and Nitei Gavriel 28:4 agree.</ref>
 
==Candle==
==Candle==
# One should check using a single wax candle and not a torch (or even two candles together). <Ref>S”A and Rama 433:2, Mishna Brurah 431:3 </ref>  
# One should check using a single wax candle and not a torch (or even two candles together). <Ref>S”A and Rama 433:2, Mishna Brurah 431:3 </ref>  
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# If one finds Chametz on [[Chol HaMoed]] one should burn it but not make a Bracha if one either did [[Bitul Chametz]] or selling of Chametz to a non-Jew before [[Pesach]]. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 446:1 </ref>  
# If one finds Chametz on [[Chol HaMoed]] one should burn it but not make a Bracha if one either did [[Bitul Chametz]] or selling of Chametz to a non-Jew before [[Pesach]]. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 446:1 </ref>  
# Some say that if one sold one’s Chametz before [[Pesach]] and then one finds Chametz on [[Pesach]], one should store it away with the other Chametz that’s sold to the non-Jew and not burn it. <ref>Piskei Teshuvot 446:1 quoting Mikrei Kodesh 1:74 </ref>
# Some say that if one sold one’s Chametz before [[Pesach]] and then one finds Chametz on [[Pesach]], one should store it away with the other Chametz that’s sold to the non-Jew and not burn it. <ref>Piskei Teshuvot 446:1 quoting Mikrei Kodesh 1:74 </ref>
==Minhag in performing Bedika==
==Minhag in performing Bedika==
# Nowadays when people clean the house of Chametz in advance, it’s enough to check to see if that area was cleaned from Chametz and if it wasn’t to remove the Chametz. <Ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:1), Piskei Teshuvot 433:8, Or Yisrael (vol 35, pg 100-102, article by Rav Shlomo Wolfson) </ref>
# Nowadays when people clean the house of Chametz in advance, it’s enough to check to see if that area was cleaned from Chametz and if it wasn’t to remove the Chametz. <Ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 5:1), Piskei Teshuvot 433:8, Or Yisrael (vol 35, pg 100-102, article by Rav Shlomo Wolfson) </ref>
==Scattering 10 pieces of Chametz==
==Scattering 10 pieces of Chametz==
# The minhag is to scatter 10 pieces of Chametz to be found during the Bedika. <Ref>Rama 432:2, Mishna Brurah 432:13. Rama (432:2) quotes one opinion who says that the minhag to leave pieces of bread around the house is to ensure that one finds chametz to prevent a berakhah of biur chametz being said in vain. However, the Rama concludes, that it is not necessary since one’s intent in the berakhah is to destroy the chametz that one finds. Taz (432:4) discourages this minhag because one may misplace one of the placed pieces. On the other hand, Rabbi Yaakov Reischer in Chok Yaakov (432:13) defends the minhag and argues that putting out pieces encourages one to do a thorough check and not abandon the job if chametz is not found immediately. </ref> Nowadays when people clean the house of Chametz in advance, some say that one must scatter these pieces, while others maintain that it’s still not an obligation but only a minhag. <Ref> Shaar HaTziyun 432:12 quotes the Emek Halacha who maintains that nowadays when people clean the house in advance one must put out these 10 pieces of Chametz so that the Bracha on Bedika isn’t a Bracha Levatala. However, Halichot Shlomo 5:12 argues that one can still make the Bracha without putting out these pieces because the Bedika includes checking that the areas have been cleaned properly, nonetheless it’s still the minhag to do so.</ref>
# The minhag is to scatter 10 pieces of Chametz to be found during the Bedika. <Ref>Rama 432:2, Mishna Brurah 432:13. Rama (432:2) quotes one opinion who says that the minhag to leave pieces of bread around the house is to ensure that one finds chametz to prevent a berakhah of biur chametz being said in vain. However, the Rama concludes, that it is not necessary since one’s intent in the berakhah is to destroy the chametz that one finds. Taz (432:4) discourages this minhag because one may misplace one of the placed pieces. On the other hand, Rabbi Yaakov Reischer in Chok Yaakov (432:13) defends the minhag and argues that putting out pieces encourages one to do a thorough check and not abandon the job if chametz is not found immediately. </ref> Nowadays when people clean the house of Chametz in advance, some say that one must scatter these pieces, while others maintain that it’s still not an obligation but only a minhag. <Ref> Shaar HaTziyun 432:12 quotes the Emek Halacha who maintains that nowadays when people clean the house in advance one must put out these 10 pieces of Chametz so that the Bracha on Bedika isn’t a Bracha Levatala. However, Halichot Shlomo 5:12 argues that one can still make the Bracha without putting out these pieces because the Bedika includes checking that the areas have been cleaned properly, nonetheless it’s still the minhag to do so.</ref>
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# One should be careful not to loss any of the pieces. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 432:13 </ref>
# One should be careful not to loss any of the pieces. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 432:13 </ref>


==Bracha ==
==How much is Enough?==
# Before the Bedika one should make the Bracha of Asher Kidishanu BeMitzvotav VeTzivanu Al [[Biur Chametz]]. <Ref>S”A 432:1. Mishna Brurah 432:3 and Chazon Ovadia Part 1 page 44 explain that we don't recite al bedikat chametz because the search is only for the purpose of the destruction.  </ref> If one accidentally made the Bracha of Al [[Bitul Chametz]] after the fact one has fulfilled the obligation. <ref>Mishna Brurah 432:3 </ref> One has also fulfilled his obligation if he recites "livaer chametz." <ref> Chazon Ovadia [[Pesach]] 5763 Part 1 page 44 </ref>
# A person doesn’t have to make themselves crazy, one just to be reasonable not to overwork oneself so that one can enjoy [[the Seder]]. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 19:30 and 21 </ref> It’s a judgment call and one should do a peripheral check (not too peripheral). <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [https://oukosher.org/passover/webcast/pre-pesach/ou-kosher-pre-pesach-webcast-5771-2011/ OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 24 and 25. See Haggadah of the Roshei Yeshiva (pg 13) which records the minhag of Rav Moshe to perform a bedika in his small apartment for longer than an hour. This bedika doesn't need to be done as if no cleaning was done, but is required anyway. This is the opinion of Sha’arei Teshuvah 433:2, Daat Torah 433:2, Chochmat Shelomo 433:11, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach quoted in Mevakshei Torah Ohr Efrayim page 532), Kinyan Torah 2:122.</ref>
# One may not speak between the Bracha and beginning the Bedika, and if one did make an interruption not related to the Bedika one must make another Bracha. <Ref>S”A 432:1, Mishna Brurah 432:5 </ref>
# After one began it’s preferable not to speak until one completes the Bedika, however it’s permissible to speak even in matters not related to Bedika. <Ref>S”A 432:1, Mishna Brurah 432:6 </ref>
# If one didn’t make the Bracha before beginning Bedika one can make it as long as one hasn’t finished Bedika. Nonetheless, if one has finished the Bedika, one should make it without [[Shem UMalchut]] in the morning before burning the Chametz and some say that one may make it then with [[Shem UMalchut]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 432:4 </ref>
# One may make the Bracha on the Bedika with many people listening and then split up for each person to check an area in the house. <Ref>S”A 432:2 </ref>If someone didn’t hear the Bracha and it’s difficult to finish the Bedika without that person’s help, he may help without making a Bracha. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 432:11 </ref>
# If one is checking two houses one may should make only one Bracha and do Bedika on both. <Ref>S”A 432:2 writes that with one Bracha one can perform Bedika in many houses. Mishna Brurah 432:7 quotes a dispute whether one should make another Bracha once one moved from one courtyard to another courtyard. Halichot Shlomo 5:13 rules that one should make one Bracha for Bedika in two houses even if they are in different courtyards. </ref>
# There’s no [[Shehecheyanu]] on the Bedika. <Ref>Bear Hetiev says it’s includes in [[Shehecheyanu]] of [[Yom Tov]], Pri Megadim M”Z 431:2 says it’s not a mitzvah of Simcha, מאירי says there’s no [[Shehecheyanu]] on Bedika which is just done to prevent you from a prohibition. </ref>
# Some say that one should wash one’s hands before performing Bedika. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 432:2 </ref>
 
==How much is enough?==
# A person doesn’t have to make themselves crazy, one just to be reasonable not to overwork oneself so that one can enjoy [[the Seder]]. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 19:30 and 21 </ref> It’s a judgment call and one should do a peripheral check (not too peripheral). <Ref> Rav Yisrael Belsky on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 24 and 25. See Haggadah of the Roshei Yeshiva (pg 13) which records the minhag of Rav Moshe to perform a bedika in his small apartment for longer than an hour. This bedika doesn't need to be done as if no cleaning was done, but is required anyway. This is the opinion of Sha’arei Teshuvah 433:2, Daat Torah 433:2, Chochmat Shelomo 433:11, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach quoted in Mevakshei Torah Ohr Efrayim page 532), Kinyan Torah 2:122.</ref>


==If one found Chametz after the Bedika==
==If one found Chametz after the Bedika==
# If one found Chametz after the Bedika one doesn’t have to recheck the house. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 438:4, Halichot Shlomo 5:22 </ref>
# If one found Chametz after the Bedika one doesn’t have to recheck the house. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 438:4, Halichot Shlomo 5:22 </ref>
==If one did Bedika before the night of the 14th==
==If one did Bedika before the night of the 14th==
# If one did Bedika during the day of the 13th to the light of a candle one should do Bedika the night of the 14th without a Bracha. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 433:1 </ref>
# If one did Bedika during the day of the 13th to the light of a candle one should do Bedika the night of the 14th without a Bracha. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 433:1 </ref>
# If one did Bedika during the night of the 13th to the light of a candle, one doesn’t have to do Bedika on the 14th at night if one was careful not to bring Chametz there and if one wants to do Bedika it should be done without a Bracha. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 433:1 </ref>
# If one did Bedika during the night of the 13th to the light of a candle, one doesn’t have to do Bedika on the 14th at night if one was careful not to bring Chametz there and if one wants to do Bedika it should be done without a Bracha. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 433:1 </ref>
==Links==
* [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/54541 Yalkut Yosef Hilchot Pesach vol. 1 (Hebrew, 5775)]
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/854906/rabbi-daniel-stein/bedikas-chametz-crumbs,-cleaning-early,-and-going-away/ Bedikas Chametz - Crumbs, cleaning early, and-going-away] by Rabbi Daniel Stein
* [http://www.aish.com/h/pes/l/48969586.html The Search for Chametz] on Aish.com
==Sources==
==Sources==
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[[Category:Pesach]]
[[Category:Pesach]]
[[Category:Holidays]]
[[Category:Holidays]]