Bedikat

Bedikat, in the context of Jewish law, refers to the ritual search for chametz (leavened products) in a home before the festival of Passover. The term bedikah means inspection or search, and the practice is traditionally conducted on the evening preceding Passover, typically after nightfall on the 14th of Nisan.

During bedikat chametz, households inspect their living spaces for any chametz or chametz-containing foods. The search is commonly conducted with a candle, a feather, and a wooden spoon to sweep and reveal hidden chametz, which is then gathered into a pile and covered with a napkin. In many communities this pile is later burned during the biur chametz ceremony in the following morning. Some households perform the bedikat with a blessing beforehand, while others do the search without a blessing; practices vary by community and tradition.

After completing the search, a declaration of nullification of any remaining chametz, known as bitul chametz, is recited. This declaration emphasizes that any overlooked chametz should be considered null and worthless, aligning practice with the legal requirements to prepare for Passover.

The ritual serves both legal and symbolic purposes. Legally, it helps ensure that the home is free of chametz in accordance with Passover observance. Symbolically, bedikat represents self-scrutiny and purification, inviting individuals to examine and remove spiritual “leaven” from their lives before the holiday.

Historically, bedikat chametz stems from rabbinic guidance on removing chametz from possession in advance of Passover. Today it is observed by Jewish communities worldwide, though details—such as timing, materials, and whether to recite a blessing—vary among traditions.