Rabbi Gissinger's Pesach Cleaning Guidelines

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Cleaning for Pesach Pesach -- Z'man Cheiruseinu - is quickly approaching. We are all anxiously and impatiently awaiting its arriva1. After all -- the Seder nights in all their glory. The entire family - father, mother and children - sitting around the lavishly laden table - discussing in depth the very foundation of our emunah -- O''l~y') nlX'~'. Our anticipation grows stronger with every passing day. Its unbearable - we can no longer wait !!! Or can we ?? I must sadly admit that I've heard people say, " Pesach is unbearable" , " It's too hard ", "Not worth the work ". If my previous description of the seder doesn't seem to match yours - - perhaps you're doing something wrong. I must elaborate a bit and I will occasionally quote and draw from the writings ofHaRav HaGaon Rav Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg lX"\J'JV. Obviously, the primary problem is the pre-Pesach cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning. Unfortunately, the average housewife does 75 % more cleaning than is required according to the halacha. Spring cleaning should be done after Pesach. Before beginning specific halachos regarding the preparation ofthe home and kitchen for Pesach I wish to make it clear that I have no intention of abolishing Minhagim which have been passed down by Klal Yisroel from generation to generation. After all, the Shulchan Aruch and later poskim (:1) P"D ::mn "Dl"~n 'lYV ) commend Chumros ( stringencies) for Pesach because on O'Vl1P JlX'lV'. Nevertheless, some practices adopted by women today are not an actual continuation ofthose minhagim. Furthermore, one is not permitted to perform stringencies when they infringe upon and undermine basic Torah obligations. For example, as stated above, women are obligated in all the mitzvos ofthe Seder as men are. They also have the mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov -- enjoying the Chag. How can these be accomplished when they are totally washed out, exhausted and too tense to even maintain a conversation! ! We must maintain our priorities! The following items need not be washed for Pesach; Windows, walls, carpets, ceilings, doors and doorknobs. Linens, bedspreads, curtains, towels, fresh dish towels. For those who sell their chometz -- all pots, pans, dishes, flatware, appliances (e.g. mixer, grinder, toaster, microwave etc.) and toys, which are being stored away for Pesach, do not require cleaning. The closet / room where chometz and / or chometz utensils are being locked up does not need to be cleaned for Pesach. Rather, merely take a quick assesment of the approx. amount of chometz present there so that it may be properly listed among items being sold as chometz. Note: The rationale for some ofthe halachos stated below is based on the following premise. The obligation to search for and destroy Chometz applies to Chometz which is the size of one complete k'zayis ( i.e. approx. the volume of one ounce. A standard whiskey cup holds one ounce) or more. According to some opinions even less than a k'zayis is problematic unless it is rendered unfit for human consumption. In consideration of that opinion, I have recommended, not required, ( where applicable) to apply an ammonia / water solution to the chometz thus rendering it inedible. Do not confuse this halacha with the more stringent issur of consuming chometz. Clothing: Pockets of adult clothing ( i.e. specifically those which during the year may have occasionally contained Chometz ) and all children's clothing which will be worn on Pesach should be emptied of food and crumbs. Alternatively, if one resolves not to put any food in pockets during Pesach -- follow the rules in the following sentence regarding other clothing. Pockets of other clothing (not to be worn on Pesach ) need only be frisked for either edible ------------- -_._---

Transcript of Rabbi Gissinger's Pesach Cleaning Guidelines

Page 1: Rabbi Gissinger's Pesach Cleaning Guidelines

Cleaning for Pesach

Pesach -- Z'man Cheiruseinu - is quickly approaching. We are all anxiously and impatientlyawaiting its arriva1. After all -- the Seder nights in all their glory. The entire family - father,mother and children - sitting around the lavishly laden table - discussing in depth the veryfoundation of our emunah -- O''l~y') nlX'~'. Our anticipation grows stronger with everypassing day. Its unbearable - we can no longer wait !!! Or can we ?? I must sadly admit thatI've heard people say, " Pesach is unbearable" , " It's too hard ", "Not worth the work ". Ifmy previous description of the seder doesn't seem to match yours - - perhaps you're doingsomething wrong. I must elaborate a bit and I will occasionally quote and draw from thewritings ofHaRav HaGaon Rav Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg lX"\J'JV. Obviously, the primaryproblem is the pre-Pesach cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning. Unfortunately, the averagehousewife does 75 % more cleaning than is required according to the halacha. Springcleaning should be done after Pesach.

Before beginning specific halachos regarding the preparation ofthe home and kitchen forPesach I wish to make it clear that I have no intention of abolishing Minhagim which havebeen passed down by Klal Yisroel from generation to generation. After all, the ShulchanAruch and later poskim (:1) P"D ::mn "Dl"~n 'lYV ) commend Chumros ( stringencies) forPesach because on O'Vl1P JlX'lV'. Nevertheless, some practices adopted by women today arenot an actual continuation ofthose minhagim. Furthermore, one is not permitted to performstringencies when they infringe upon and undermine basic Torah obligations. For example, asstated above, women are obligated in all the mitzvos ofthe Seder as men are. They also havethe mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov -- enjoying the Chag. How can these be accomplishedwhen they are totally washed out, exhausted and too tense to even maintain a conversation! !We must maintain our priorities!

The following items need not be washed for Pesach; Windows, walls, carpets, ceilings,doors and doorknobs. Linens, bedspreads, curtains, towels, fresh dish towels. For those whosell their chometz -- all pots, pans, dishes, flatware, appliances (e.g. mixer, grinder, toaster,microwave etc.) and toys, which are being stored away for Pesach, do not require cleaning.

The closet / room where chometz and / or chometz utensils are being locked up does notneed to be cleaned for Pesach. Rather, merely take a quick assesment of the approx. amountof chometz present there so that it may be properly listed among items being sold as chometz.

Note: The rationale for some ofthe halachos stated below is based on the following premise.The obligation to search for and destroy Chometz applies to Chometz which is the size of onecomplete k'zayis ( i.e. approx. the volume of one ounce. A standard whiskey cup holds oneounce) or more. According to some opinions even less than a k'zayis is problematic unless itis rendered unfit for human consumption. In consideration of that opinion, I haverecommended, not required, ( where applicable) to apply an ammonia / water solution to thechometz thus rendering it inedible. Do not confuse this halacha with the more stringent issurof consuming chometz.

Clothing: Pockets of adult clothing ( i.e. specifically those which during the year may haveoccasionally contained Chometz ) and all children's clothing which will be worn on Pesachshould be emptied of food and crumbs. Alternatively, if one resolves not to put any food inpockets during Pesach -- follow the rules in the following sentence regarding other clothing.Pockets of other clothing (not to be worn on Pesach ) need only be frisked for either edible

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crumbs ofChometz (not little crumbs mixed with lint and dust) or a "considerable amount"of Chometz.

Note: a " considerable amount" equals a k'zayis. Should one decide on Pesach to wearclothing whose pockets were not thoroughly cleaned -- food may not be put into thosepockets. Note: Clothing which will not be worn on Pesach and will be in a sealed closet andsold with the chometz - need not be checked at all.

Toys: a) Only those toys which may contain a " considerable amount" of Chometz must becleaned of same. b) Toys which don't usually contain a "considerable amount" of Chometzbut rather have small particles of slightly dirty Chometz stuck to them, may be used as is onPesach.c) In the rare case that the small particles ofChometz appear to be in edible condition-although according to the view of most Poskim , the toys may be used as is -- care must betaken not to place those toys on areas where food is placed ( e.g. tables,countertops etc.).Furthermore, as stated above, some poskim rule that in this case the Chometz adhering to thetoys should be rendered inedible. This may be accomplished in the following manner;l)Waterprooftoys may be soaked (in the tub) in the ammonia solution for a short time andthen rinsed. By doing so, any Chometz which may have been stuck to the toys becomesinedible and is no longer considered Chometz. The toys may be dried and used as is. 2) Toyswhich can not be immersed in water can either be wiped with a sponge moistened with theammonia solution as above, or the Chometz must be removed.Note; Any toys not being used on Pesach need not be checked but rather they may be soldwith the Chometz.

Seforim / Books: Since the only crumbs that might be present in Seforim or books are lessthan a k'zayis, these items do not have to be cleaned for Pesach. However, care must betaken not to place them on areas where food is placed ( e.g. tables, countertops etc. ).Nevertheless, to avoid any problems, Seforim / books which commonly have crumbs in them( e.g. Bentchers etc. ) should be cleaned or sealed away with the Chometz.

Preparing the kitchen

Refrigerator / Freezer: Should be washed thoroughly with an ammonia / water solutionand may then be used without lining the shelves with paper etc.

Range top - Clean thoroughly then light flames for ten minutes. Cover the area between theburners with aluminum foil. Note: The drip rings / pans need only be cleaned, not kashered.

Oven - Self-cleaning: Set the self clean at highest setting for one hour.

Oven - Non self-cleaning: Apply acid solution ( e.g. Easy Off), rinse and then light for onehour at the highest setting.

Microwave - Clean thoroughly ( especially around fan area) then don't use for twenty fourhours. Boil water in the microwave for several minutes so that it will fill with vapor. Since thevalidity of kashering plastic for Pesach is questionable, use only when Pesach food iscovered e.g. in a plastic bag.

Sink: Clean thoroughly then don't use with very hot water ( i.e. too hot to touch with one'sbare hand) for twenty four hours and then perform lruy (i.e. pour boiling water) on entire

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surface including the spout.

Counter tops: Clean thoroughly with ammonia solution then either cover with aluminumfoil, etc. or perform lruy and use as is. Where Iruy is performed, hot Pesach food should notbe placed directly ( i.e. without dish or container) on counter.

Pantry and cabinets: Clean thoroughly with ammonia solution and then use as is. ( It is notnecessary to line shelves with paper etc. )

Food and Non - food Products

In order to understand the following halachos, a brief introduction is necessary:Torah - prohibited foods (e.g. non-slaughtered meat I fowl, pork etc.) which have becomeunfit for human consumption, are no longer prohibited Min Hatorah. Nevertheless,Mi'dRabbonon ( Rabbinically) one is forbidden to intentionally ingest these unfit foods. Thereason for this issur is termed "::l'llnN.By ingesting the unfit food one has made a statementthat for him that food is indeed edible. Therefore, even if the food is unfit for animal (canine)consumption it is Rabbinically prohibited.Chometz, however, is somewhat unique in that it is prohibited to be eaten even ifunfit forhuman consumption providing that it is at least fit for animal (canine) consumption. Beingthat the Torah prohibited leaven even though it is technically inedible, so too, moldy breadcan also be used to ferment dough and is thus also prohibited. However, mixtures containingChometz which can longer be used as a leavening agent fall back into the category of allIssurim and thus when unfit for human consumption they are no longer prohibited.Nevertheless, consuming them is Rabbinically prohibited because of"::l'llnN.There are three prohibitions relating to Chometz; 1) Consumption 2) Deriving benefit ( e.g.feeding pets Chometz) 3) Ownership. Chometz which is inedible and unable to be used tosour other dough may be owned and even used for any use providing that it is not ingested.Thus, the following products may be used on Pesach without any Kosher for Pesach label;

All cosmetics ( e.g. creams, ointments, powders, nail polish, lipstick, blush, eye shadow,deodorants, hair spray, shampoos, perfumes, etc.) Note: When not using a new lipstick checkold one for crumbs.

All cleaning agents ( e.g. soaps - solid I liquid, dish washing and laundry detergent, waxesand polishes etc.)

All paper goods, plastic ware, aluminum foil etc.

Once again I wish to reiterate that my intention is not to dissuade those wishing to followmore stringent opinions from so doing. Rather, I have presented the halachos according tothe opinions ofthose Poskim whom I feel one may follow il'll)J)J~7)il:JJilJ .