Not everything needs to be sold — a practical map of what to sell, set aside, or just leave alone.
Q. What chametz should or shouldn’t I sell for Pesach to a gentile?
It’s better that “absolute” chametz, where a fermenting grain has come in contact with water (for example whiskey, noodles, etc.) be destroyed and not sold to a non-Jew unless it involves considerable loss. This is evaluated subjectively, so a rabbi should be consulted, but the most common example for many people is an expensive bottle of whiskey, or a favorite imported cereal which is hard to replace, etc. On the other extreme, there is no need to sell food where there is clearly no chametz but just lacks Peach supervision, like rice, canned fruit, etc. These can be put aside in a place where nobody will accidentally eat them, and should be designated as such. The chametz which is usually sold consists of “uncertain” foods, where there may be chametz involved, so we sell them to a gentile, “just to be sure”. This may include chocolate spread, soup mixes etc., which list “stabilizers” or starch among the ingredients, for this can sometimes contain chametz. It’s best to detail in the sale where the chametz is kept, and a cell number where the seller can be reached, should the buyer wish to use his newly-acquired chametz during the holiday. Please note that Jews from abroad who are visiting Israel should sell their chametz in Israel, or in an early sale abroad, for Pesach begins earlier here, and ends later (if keeping 2 days).
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