Rotzeh B’kiyumo - Sour Dough Starter

QUESTION: I have sourdough starter that I received from a friend. I do not want to destroy it before Pesach. Can I sell it with the rest of my chametz?

ANSWER: Poskim explain that ordinarily, when one sells their chametz, since they would be just as happy if the non-Jew kept the chametz and paid them its value, there is no concern of “rotzeh b’kiyumo” (wanting the chametz to remain intact over Pesach). However, in this case, since the value of the sourdough starter is minimal, but to its owner it has value, perhaps this is a violation of the Rabbinic prohibition of “rotzeh b’kiyumo”.

This is a matter of dispute among poskim. The Pri Chadash (467:9) was asked if one can sell over Pesach to a non- Jew a beautifully decorated chametz wheat kernel that had sentimental value. The Pri Chadash writes that it is permissible to sell it to a non-Jew and buy it back after Pesach. Even though you want to buy back this specific item, and do not want it to get ruined, he writes that it does not matter, so long as the sale is a valid sale, and it is in the possession of the non-Jew for the duration of Pesach. Similarly, the Chasam Sofer (OC 119) as well writes that “rotzeh b’kiyumo” only applies when one actively benefits from the chametz over Pesach. But, selling and wanting it to remain intact over Pesach is not forbidden. However, L”horos Nosson (4:37) cites several poskim who are strict and forbid this. Although the sale is valid, since it is obvious you want to buy back this specific chametz back, this is called “rotzeh b’kiyumo”.

The consensus of most poskim is that strictly speaking it is permitted to sell sourdough, but it is virtuous to throw it away (see Piskei Teshuvos 450:7-8).

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.