Q. Shalom Dear Rabbi, I will be traveling next week to Israel for Pesach, I'm planning to sell my chametz in Israel, do I still have to make Bedikat Chametz, prior to my leaving?
A. Mishne Berurah 436,32 quotes two opinions in regards to searching on the night of the 14 of Nissan, the rooms that are to be sold tomorrow. Mekor Chaim and Chaye Odom argue that Bedikah should be done, since at that evening, the rooms will not be sold yet. Binyan Olom 20, disagrees, given that he will comply with the Mitzva of eradicating the chometz by selling it next day. He mentions also the lenient opinion of the Chasam Soifer 131, when he does actual Bedikah in the rooms not sold. He cites the Eishel Arohom that concurs. Mishne Berurah concludes that we can't object to the ones that are lenient; but it is preferable to do the sale on the 13, prior to the beginning of the night we are obliged to do Bedikah.
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that it if the chometz is sold in Israel on the 14, or in Toronto on the 13 of Nissan, (Mechira Mukdemes), no Bedikah is needed in Toronto prior to traveling, as one is to be performed at the proper time in Israel. It would still be advisable, if possible, to do a Mechira Mukdemes (on the 13) in Israel. The early selling on the 13 in Toronto, actually occurs on the 14, due to the difference in time zones.
Rabbi. A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller shilt"a.
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