(1.) ‏בדיקת חמץ‎ “the searching for leavened bread” on the eve of the 14th of Nisan. [97] The head of the family, or his deputy, examines his residence thoroughly, and keeps the chamets, which he has found, in a safe place till the next morning. This searching, like every other performance of a religious duty, is preceded by a blessing, viz., ‏ברוך … אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו על ביעור חמץ‎ “Blessed art thou ... who hast sanctified us by thy commandments, and hast commanded us concerning the removal of the leavened bread.” [98] (2.) ‏ביעור חמץ‎, “the removal or the destruction of chamets.” All the chamets that is left after the first meal on the 14th of Nisan must be removed, i.e., sold or given as a present to a non-Israelite, or destroyed. In addition to the actual removal or destruction of chamets, a solemn declaration is made by the head of the family, that if any chamets should be left in his house without his knowledge, he would not claim it as his. The object of this declaration is to free the master of the house from all responsibility in case any chamets should be found on his premises, contrary to the Law. [99] (3.) Utensils which have been used for chamets are put away, and replaced by new ones, or by such as have exclusively been kept for Passover. Some vessels used during the year may be used for Passover, after having undergone a certain process called kasher; [100] i.e., “fitting” them as vessels for use on Passover. (4.) Although the articles of food that are directly forbidden as chamets are very few, there are a great many things that contain an admixture of chamets, and those “who fear the word of the Lord” use during Passover only those articles of food concerning which there is no doubt whatever that they are perfectly free from chamets. Articles of food for Passover are therefore only bought of persons who can be trusted to hold these observances in respect. In addition to the commandments of the Passover-offering and the unleavened bread, there is a special duty, mentioned four times in the Pentateuch, for the Israelite to relate to his children the history of the departure from Egypt, and to explain to them the meaning of the several rites connected with the celebration of Passover. This duty is called haggadah, “relating,” and a service has been arranged for the purpose, called Seder, “the Order.” The first two evenings of Passover are therefore called “Seder-evenings,” and the book which contains this Service is generally called Haggadah. The Seder-service contains four elements: (1) the relation of the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt; (2) the festive meal, preceded by Kiddush and the partaking of bitter herbs and unleavened bread, and followed by Grace; (3) Hallel and other hymns; (4) the partaking of four cups of wine (arba kosoth). [101]