On Pesach, we are forbidden to eat chametz and to have it in our possession.  For that reason, the ceremony of mechirat chametz (the selling of chametz) should be performed. The chametz which is in your house over Pesach must be sealed and locked away, preferably in a place other than the kitchen. That chametz should be sold to a non-Jew since it is prohibited for a Jew to own chametz over Pesach. The chametz is then purchased back again after the holiday.

The proper way to sell chametz is to have a Rabbi perform the sale for you. Please understand that your home need not be completely kosher for Pesach at the time of the sale.  The sale does not take effect until the time of the prohibition of eating chametz. At the time that you sell your chametz, it is customary to make a donation to the Ma’ot Hittim fund, money distributed to those in need at Pesach.  If you would like to contribute to this fund, you may make a donation to Beth Israel, and write in the remarks "for Ma’ot Hittim." The tradition of selling chametz can be done by filling out the below form by Thursday, March 25.

The ceremony of searching for chametz should be done on Thursday March 25th or Friday March 26th. The chametz should be burned on Friday morning, March 26th.