As Passover approaches, Jewish families begin the annual tradition of removing chametz from their homes. But what exactly is chametz? In this blog post, we will explore what chametz is and why it is removed from homes before Passover.
Chametz is any food or drink made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has been allowed to rise. Here is a simple bullet point list of what is considered chametz:
- Bread and any baked goods made with chametz, including cakes, cookies, and crackers
- Cereals and any products containing chametz grains, such as pasta, couscous, and bulgur
- Beer, whiskey, and any other alcoholic beverages made from chametz
- Spices and condiments that contain chametz, such as soy sauce, ketchup, and mustard
- Pet food and any other products that contain chametz
Chametz is removed from homes before Passover because the holiday commemorates the Jewish exodus from Egypt, during which the Israelites did not have time to let their bread rise. By removing all chametz from their homes, Jews remember this important aspect of the Passover story.
For those who are not experts at cleaning, or simply do not have the time or energy to remove all chametz from their homes, professional cleaning services are available. These services can help you get your home ready for Passover while allowing you to focus on other tasks, like making sure your mother-in-law approves of the brisket you plan to serve at your seder. By using these services, you can ensure that all chametz is removed from your home, without having to risk a matzah ball-induced meltdown.
In conclusion, chametz is any food or drink made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has been allowed to rise. It is removed from homes before Passover to commemorate the Jewish exodus from Egypt.
