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It is most important that all chametz is disposed of or sold before Passover. Although the non-Jew usually sells it back after Passover, this is an entirely valid and legal sale, both in Jewish and English Law. The chametz to be sold should be securely locked away in a room or cupboard, which will not be used over Pesach. It is customary to empower the local rabbi to sell one's chametz and to sign the rabbi's contract. With this in mind the United Synagogue wish to offer to sell your chametz by appointing Rabbi J Conway to act as your agent and sell all chametz that will be in your possession as of Wednesday 8th April 2009 at 11.56am This service is offered free of charge. However, any donation to help defray the costs of this communal service would be greatly appreciated. One of the main prohibitions on Pesach is the possession of chametz. Chametz is formed when dough made from flour and water is allowed to sit for a period of 18 minutes. This would include not only bread, but all types of food or drink that are made from flour.

The ultimate reason for this prohibition is not known to us but in common with all the mitzvot of the Torah, we keep them because they are God's will and we believe they have fundamental spiritual reasons. Historically though, when the Jewish people left Egypt, they were in such a hurry that they did not have enough time for the bread that they were baking to rise. Our abstention from chametz recalls this enthusiasm. Not only are we forbidden to eat even the tiniest amount of chametz, but we are also not allowed to have ownership of chametz.

Therefore, any products that contain edible chametz, even though they will not be eaten, would also fall under the same prohibition. Similarly, a trader in whisky or other chametz food must relinquish ownership even though they will not actually consume the whisky on Pesach; they must relinquish all ownership of the trade at least until the end of the festival. Any chametz products that one has left in one's house before Pesach must be either consumed or disposed of. In cases where this is not an option, then one sells them to a non-Jewish person for the duration of the festival. This is usually done through the shul Rabbi or a competent Kashrut authority.

Many people have a mistaken idea of what the sale of chametz is all about. Far from being the symbolic ancient ritual that some people think it is, the seller enters into a legally binding contract with the non-Jewish person whereby the products that they specify are actually sold and the area that they are stored is also sold to the purchaser.

After Pesach, any products which were not consumed are repurchased. The ability to sell one's chametz is a good example of the flexibility of Jewish law and the Rabbis' desire to find ways to make our life as easy and pleasant as possible. All chametz that is to be sold should be securely put away and kept locked up over Pesach to avoid unintentional use.

It is always best to consult a competent Rabbi where the circumstances are not straight forward. It is most important that all chametz is disposed of or sold before Passover. Although the non-Jew usually sells it back after Passover, this is an entirely valid and legal sale, both in Jewish and English Law. The chametz to be sold should be securely locked away in a room or cupboard, which will not be used over Pesach. It is customary to empower the local rabbi to sell one's chametz and to sign the rabbi's contract.

To donate please visit:

United Synagogue Sell Your Chametz Online Donation Form

If you wish to send a cheque please make all cheques payable to USKB at the following address:

Kashrut Division Adler House, 735 High Road London N12 0US

If you would prefer to download a copy of the Sale of Chametz form,
please see below.