Dear Sirs, Passover is coming soon. I would like to ask a couple of questions. 1) Should cosmetics and household chemicals (soaps, shampoos, washing powder, dishwashing liquid, etc.) bear the inscription “Kasher LePesach”? After all, there is only chemistry there. 2) I understand that this question seems paranoid, nevertheless, I’ll ask: Let’s say I’m drinking beer at a bar and some beer spills on my pocket, into which I then put my change. Should I wash this money? And, in general, to what size is chometz considered? Is this possible to see with the naked eye? Boris

Answered by Rabbi Yakov Shub

Dear Boris,

From time immemorial, various Jewish communities adopted all kinds of restrictions regarding chametz (“leavened”) on Passover. Some customs are even mentioned in the Shulchan Orukh. The most striking example of this behavior is the custom of washing walls and chairs that chametz may have touched (Shulchan Oruch 442). Mishnah Berura (442:28) explains that one should not mock people who do this, because although this is not legally necessary, a hint of this custom can be found in the Jerusalem Talmud. In any case, we see that the special sanctity of the Passover holiday forces people to observe its laws as scrupulously as possible.

As for the use of various perfumes and cosmetics, it is initially advisable to try to purchase products that are kosher for Passover. However, as you know, it is not possible to purchase such products everywhere, so we will try to talk about the possibility of using some of the most common types of cosmetics and detergents for Passover.

Liquid and aerosol perfumes, cologne, deodorants, aftershave lotion. In most cases, they contain ethyl alcohol, which is produced from cereals and which is chametz. Therefore, such goods are not used on Passover and must be sold to a non-Jew (Hilchot Pesach, Rav Shimon Aider, Shaarei Yemei HaPesach, Rav Yehuda Chezner). And although such cosmetics are “not suitable for a dog to eat” (that is, one would think that they are allowed to be used, since they are no longer considered boorish), one should not rush to conclusions. Firstly, it is allowed to use substances that are unfit for a dog to eat only if they have deteriorated so much that even the dog will not eat them. If the dog does not eat them, because this is not the product that it is usually fed, and people in cramped circumstances can eat it (after all, sometimes it is just alcohol that has been given a pleasant smell), then the ban remains in force. Secondly. Even when during production alcohol has been brought to such a state that it cannot be consumed as food, many halachic authorities believe that if it can be restored or consumed as food by mixing with other substances, then the prohibition remains in force (Igrot Moishe, Orach Chaim 3:62 , Emet le-Yaakov, Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky 442:9, Hilchot Pesach, Rav Shimon Aider). An exception may be products made with synthetic alcohol or non-cereal alcohol (for example, for several years now, according to the Badatz Eida Haredit koshrut department, products produced in Eretz Yisroel do not use grain alcohol), or any products labeled “kosher for Passover.”

Creams, ointments, shampoos, balms and powders, eye shadow, mascara, blush and powder, nail polish, shoe polish, air freshener. It is permitted to use these products without the “kosher” mark for Passover, as they are not suitable for dog or human consumption. In addition, even if alcohol was used in their production, it can no longer be restored to make it edible.

Hand cream, soap, lipstick and toothpaste. It is advisable to make an effort and try to get products like this that are marked “kosher for Passover”, since there is a high probability that they will end up in your mouth. But if this is not possible, it is permissible to use them even without the “kosher for Passover” sign, relying on the opinions of halachic authorities who consider that since these products are unfit for dog and human food, in accordance with the letter of the law, they are not prohibited on Passover. As for lipstick, it is advisable to use unscented one (Shaarei Yemei HaPesach, Rav Yehuda Chezner, Hilchot Pesach, Rav Shimon Aider).

Dishwashing liquid. It is necessary to use a liquid marked “kosher for Passover”. If it is not possible to obtain such a remedy, you should contact a competent rabbi.

Laundry detergent does not need to be marked “kosher for Passover.” But on Chol Hamoed (“holiday weekdays”) it is forbidden to do laundry, except in cases where the clothes are dirty and there is no other clothing, or for small children.

Regarding your second question: things that are not visible to the eye and that are not usually eaten are not washed of chametz.

Pesach kosher ve-sameach.

Best regards, Yakov Shub