This mitzvah commands the removal and destruction of all chametz (leaven) from one’s possession on the 14th of Nissan, the day before Passover begins. Traditionally fulfilled through bedikat chametz (searching for chametz at night) and bi’ur chametz (burning or nullifying it by midday), this mitzvah ensures that no leaven remains during the festival. It symbolizes separation from Egypt and attachment to the matzah, the bread of humility and faith. The Jerusalem Talmud, tractate Sanhedrin says, "For possessing chometz one violates both a positive and a negative commandment. The positive commandment is biyur, as the verse says, 'you must remove the leaven from your homes'; the negative commandment is, 'no leaven may be found in your homes.' "

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U’Matzah 2:1): Establishes the obligation to remove chametz from one’s home before the festival, ideally by burning.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 10): The root is to commemorate the haste of the Exodus, when Israel’s dough did not rise, highlighting our reliance on Hashem.
• Talmud (Pesachim 6a): Details the procedures of searching and destroying chametz, forming the basis for our bedikat chametz and bi’ur chametz practices today.