Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Exodus 13:7 mean when it says 'no leavened bread shall be seen with thee'?
A: Exodus 13:7 commands that during the seven days of Passover, no chametz (leavened bread) or se'or (leaven) should be seen in one's possession or within one's borders. This is to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt, when the Israelites left in such haste that their dough did not have time to rise (Exodus 12:39). According to Halacha (Jewish law), this means we must remove or sell all chametz before Passover and ensure none remains in our homes or property.
Q: Why is eating matzah (unleavened bread) for seven days so important?
A: Eating matzah for seven days is a central mitzvah (commandment) of Passover, as it symbolizes both the haste of the Exodus (when the Israelites did not have time for their bread to rise) and the humility of leaving slavery. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah that this practice helps us remember the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt) and reinforces our gratitude to Hashem for our freedom.
Q: What is the difference between 'chametz' and 'se'or' in Exodus 13:7?
A: In Exodus 13:7, 'chametz' refers to leavened food (like bread) that has fermented, while 'se'or' refers to a leavening agent (such as sourdough starter) that causes fermentation. The Talmud (Pesachim 42a) discusses their differences in detail. Both are forbidden on Passover, and one must ensure neither is present in their home or property during the holiday.
Q: How do we apply Exodus 13:7 today during Passover?
A: Today, we observe this verse by thoroughly cleaning our homes before Passover to remove all chametz, selling any remaining chametz to a non-Jew (through a rabbi), and eating only matzah and kosher-for-Passover foods. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 433) details the laws of bedikat chametz (searching for leaven) and biur chametz (destroying it) to fulfill this commandment properly.
Q: Why does the Torah say chametz should not be seen 'in all thy borders'?
A: The phrase 'in all thy borders' teaches that the prohibition of chametz applies not just in one's home but throughout one's entire domain or property. Rashi explains that this includes any place under a person's control, such as a warehouse or storage area. The Sages further derive from this that we must ensure no chametz is present even in places we do not actively use during Passover (Mishnah Pesachim 1:1).
Obligation to Eat Matzah and Prohibition of Chametz
The verse (Shemot 12:15) establishes two key mitzvot of Pesach: the positive commandment to eat matzah for seven days and the prohibition against owning or seeing chametz (leavened products) in one's possession or territory. Rashi explains that the phrase "מַצּוֹת יֵאָכֵל" ("unleavened bread shall be eaten") is an active obligation, not merely a permission, requiring Jews to consume matzah during Pesach.
Duration of the Mitzvah
The Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 6:1) clarifies that while eating matzah is obligatory only on the first night of Pesach (as derived from other verses), the Torah here extends the permissibility of eating matzah for all seven days. The Talmud (Pesachim 120a) discusses whether this implies a rabbinic obligation to eat matzah throughout the festival.
Absolute Prohibition of Chametz
The double language "לֹא־יֵרָאֶה לְךָ חָמֵץ וְלֹא־יֵרָאֶה לְךָ שְׂאֹר" ("no leavened bread be seen... neither shall leaven be seen") comes to include all forms of chametz, whether fully leavened (chametz) or in the process of leavening (se'or). The Mechilta explains that this prohibits even indirect ownership through others.
Spiritual Significance
The Ba'al HaTurim notes that the numerical value of "חָמֵץ" (138) equals that of "עני" (poverty), symbolizing how chametz represents arrogance (the inflated nature of leavening), while matzah represents humility. The Kli Yakar expands that the seven days correspond to overcoming the seven primary negative character traits.