Soul Nutrition Pesach 5782

Chometz is compared to the Yetzer Hara because it rises, like haughtiness. That’s why we need to ensure that we get rid of it completely. Even a bit of the Yetzer Hara is not good.

The commentaries ask: How can we put the 10 pieces of chometz around the house the night before Pesach and then claim that we are searching for the chometz? Are we not the ones that put the chometz there in the first place? Does it really count as searching when you put it there and know exactly where it is?

The answer is, yes. It counts; the proof is from the Torah. When Yosef’s servants searched for the golden cup that was put into Binyomin’s bag, the Torah says they “searched” starting with the oldest brother and continued in birth order. Rashi writes that they knew where the goblet was (after all they put it there), but nevertheless they began “searching” from the oldest (to make it look less obvious). Even though you know where the chometz is, it is still considered searching.

The Pnei Menachem of Gur would also ask Hashem to remove the chometz (Yetzer Hara) within him [and we follow his example], even though Hashem is the one that put it there.

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In the sefer Shailos U’teshuvos Min HaShamayim it is written: Be meticulous about the laws of chometz, and all their details, and you will be granted a long life.

Rabbi Chaim Fogelman is a member of the OK Kosher Vaad HaKashrus.