The annual Jewish festival of Pesach, or Passover, commemorates the escape of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
During the eight days of Passover there are many celebrations and rituals. During this same period Jewish people cannot eat any leavened or fermented foods, amongst a number of other restrictions.
Food which is restricted because of the Passover festival is typically referred to as “chametz”.
In the days approaching the Pesach holidays, Jewish homes and businesses will be thoroughly searched in order to identify any food products which could be designated chametz.
All the chametz items will be collected together ready for removal. Although there are differing interpretations as regards disposal, traditionally chametz would be removed from a home or business and burned.
A relatively recent innovation, known as mechirat chametz, as an alternative to burning chametz, has been established to facilitate the sale of chametz to a non-Jew. There are a number of organizations which are established to assist with mechirat chametz, however, most noticeably chabad sell chametz and have dedicated on-line support to enable this type of transaction.
With detailed experience and knowledge, a specifically designed website is able to facilitate the sale of chametz easily and efficiently, whilst ensuring that halachic traditions are maintained and the validity of any transactions are complied with.
Choosing to Sell Chametz On-line
The sale of chametz, one of Pesach’s traditional rituals, was established to avoid the prohibition of Jewish ownership during the holiday. The proposal being the solution of selling chametz to a non-Jew.
This selling process was very different from the one we practice today. Originally the process referred to a final and irrevocable sale, through which the original owner transfers his chametz into the hands of the non-Jew, and then abandons any connection to it.
Today, the selling process affords the participants the opportunity various, differing options in respect of the selling of chametz, storage of chametz, re-purchase of the chametz and the administration of the overall process.
It is important to note that Rabbis do not actually buy the chametz. The seller of the chametz appoints a Rabbi only as an agent to sell his chametz to a non-Jew.
The advent of on-line facilities has provided a new, contemporary option for those choosing to sell their chametz via a website.
By creating an approved format for completing the sale of chametz, the internet has become an increasingly popular choice to facilitate the sale of chametz.
A specific web location, namely, www.hametz.co.il is available to ensure the sale of chametz can be successfully achieved, whilst complying with the halachic constraints and governance of this specific subject area.
How to Sell Chametz Online
In the first instance, access to on-line facilities will be required in order to access the www.hametz.co.il website.
Within this website, there will be links which will direct visitors to specific web pages which refer to the sale of chametz.
Apart from the actual sale of chametz, there are a number of pages which refer to a host of informative guides and directions regarding the whole subject of chametz.
There are also pages intended for specific use regarding the sale of chametz, and can be easily searched and identified. They have been designed to be easy to locate, user-friendly and simple to use.
In order to create the process for selling chametz, an online form will first require completion. This will include basic address details and information.
Based on the address submitted on the completed form, a Rabbi will be appointed to act on behalf of the seller and the process of selling chametz on line.
On completion of the details within the online form, a delegation of power to a Rabbi to sell the chametz, will also be required. A standard layout of the authorization of this delegation is personalized to the seller.
This delegation of power can be read over, for clarification, prior to confirmation.
Once the seller is satisfied, finally submitting the completed form will confirm the details, approve the delegation of power and the sale of chametz can take place.
The online process of selling chametz online is now complete.
Considerations for Selling Chametz Online
The recommended website ensures that there is a safe, secure process for selling chametz online.
hametz.co.il also provides details of the halachic requirements governing the broad issues of chametz and specifically the sale of chametz.
The website is in an easy-to-understand format. There are a range of support links and web pages to better understand how to sell chametz online, including pages which cover frequently asked questions about the sale of chametz online.
The sale of chametz does not involve any fee for providing this service, however, users of this service are encouraged to make a contribution by way of an appropriate donation.
This article was written in cooperation with Beit Chabad Foundation