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This ritual object is used during the ceremony of Bidicat cHametz, the search for leavened bread prior to the celebration of Pesach. Traditionally performed with a spoon, a candle and a feather which are used to uncover the crumbs of leaven in the pantry, this cHametz Finder is far easier for one person to manipulate. It was designed with the intention of being passed amongst each seder participant to rid themselves of cHametz - "sourness" - the internal schmutz that has been allowed to accumulate within each one of us that keeps us enslaved to a constricted mindset. What is leaven if not an essence (flour + water) which has been allowed to ferment and inflate beyond its original form.
After burning the said cHometz one recites the Aramaic formula: "All the varieties of heaped up garbage and soured fermentations that reside in my possession, that I have not yet discovered, searched out or have any knowledge of, shall here be nullified, and ownerless as the dust of the earth."
Though the cHametz Finder will certainly serve in its traditional function, the design does facilitate this graphic of recognizing ourselves within the experience of the Exodus from Mitzrayim - "Constriction." and expanding into a state of freedom.
The cHametz Finder has been engraved with the Hebrew verse from Proverbs 20:27 as quoted above. It will hold a 1/2" diameter candle and has an opening in the handle for a feather.
Engraved hand hammered copper ladle with metal handle and copper candle holder. Candle and feather not included.
5.25"long x 3"wide x 2"high