MECHIRAT CHAMETZ - The Selling of Leaven: According to the Biblical injunction that "no leaven shall be seen or found in your possession,"during Passover, one must dispose of all non-Pesach foods for the full week of Passover. See The Selling of Chametz for detailed explanation.

BEDIKAT CHAMETZ - The Search for Leaven: Taking place the evening before the first Seder, (except when Passover begins on a Saturday night), this ceremony is the climax of the Passover preparation. Ten pieces of chametz are hidden around the house. The family gathers together with a candle for lighting the way, a feather for brushing-up the chametz, and a wooden spoon onto which the chametz is brushed. If you prefer, a flashlight and small hand broom work equally well. Everything can be burned the next day with the rest of the leaven. The ceremony should involve the children and be performed immediately after supper. The prayers to be recited are found at the front of any Haggadah. The search should be conducted on Thursday evening, April 17.

BIUR CHAMETZ - The Burning of Leaven: The crumbs of bread that have been gathered the night before are put together in a bundle and burned the morning before Passover. The appropriate prayers can be found in any Haggadah. The burning of Chametz should be done Friday morning, April 18, 2008.