Chametz of a Non-Jew: Difference between revisions

# It is forbidden to smell chametz of a non-Jew or Jew on Pesach to derive pleasure.<ref>The Biur Halacha 443:1 s.v. afilu writes that smelling a non-Jew's chametz on Pesach is a discussion of the achronim. Some say it is forbidden since even chametz of a non-Jew is forbidden from benefit, while others say that there's no prohibition of smelling something that is forbidden from benefit unless it is designated for smelling (S"A YD 108:6). However, the Biur Halacha points out that whether bread is considered disgnated for smell is a dispute of the rishonim (Rama OC 216:14). Biur Halacha concludes that it is forbidden for two other reasons: some say that smelling something forbidden from benefit like eating it if it is forbidden in any amount like chametz. Also, there's a concern that one will come to eat it.</ref>

# One shouldn’t go out of one’s way to derive pleasure by smelling Chametz but if one is minding his own business one doesn’t have to leave the area where there is a smell of Chametz. <Ref> Rav Schachter on [http://www.ou.org/torah/article/oukosher_pre-pesach_webcast_5771 OU Pre-Pesach Webcast 5771] between minutes 76:30 and 78:30.</ref> If someone is in the street and there's a chametz restaurant he doesn't need to go around not to smell the chametz food.<ref> Siddur Pesach Kehilchato v. 1 10:11 writes that there's no prohibition to smell chametz in a non-Jewish restaurant on Pesach if one isn't trying to get benefit. He explains that even if there's another path that would avoid it, it is permitted based on the principle of efsher vlo kmechaven (Pesachim 25b, see Bet Yosef YD 142:9 citing Ran A"Z 21a). </ref>