Q&A: Checking for Leaven
Checking for Leaven
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I am doing a practicum in psychology at a hospital in central Israel as part of my studies. I was assigned a room with my name on the door, along with the name of another psychologist. It is used by me for meetings when I am there (I am there for 2 shifts a week), and by the other psychologist for the meetings she conducts. Presumably other people could also get a key, but apparently they do not use the room.
I received the key about a week ago; the other psychologist has been using it for a long time already.
Is the room considered my place, such that I would be obligated to check it for leaven?
Answer
A place that is designated for you is generally ruled to require that you check it during your last time there before the holiday. Of course, you cannot destroy leaven belonging to your co-user. The checking is done without a blessing. You recite the blessing at home on the night of the 14th.
This year, on the night of the 13th