According to the information available, the stores used by the community can be categorized in the following way: The Shomer Shabbos stores in the community (Kosher Konnection, etc.) are in the (Very) Highly recommended category, as they sold their Chametz before Pesach and make sure to purchase new Chametz after Pesach from reliable sources. (1) Highly recommended: Acme, Costco, Quickcheck, Rite-Aid, CVS, Walgreen’s, Trader Joe’s (2) Recommended: Shoprite on Paulison, Wal-Mart (3) Not recommended: Stop & Shop, Target, Food Basics, Shoprite in Nutley, Shoppers Vineyard. It should also be noted that arrangements are made each year with the Paulison Shoprite to set aside specific products before Pesach to ensure that they are not Chametz She’avar Alav HaPesach. These products are also in the “Highly recommended” category. These products are available immediately after Pesach, and a detailed list of the items is available in the store. Clarification of which items are of concern 1) The restriction against purchasing products applies to “overt Chametz”. This includes: cereal, cookies, crackers, pretzels, grains, and flour. Products which contain vinegar, such as mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard, may be purchased since there is a likelihood that the vinegar is not Chametz. 2) When can one resume purchasing Chametz products from a store that is “not recommended”? It is difficult to ascertain the shelf-life and turnover rate of inventory in supermarkets. It is advisable to follow the view that one may purchase Chametz from any store starting from Lag B’Omer (Sunday, May 18). However: a) Bread may be purchased from (almost) all the stores immediately after Pesach. However, I would recommend waiting several days before purchasing bread from the Shoprite in Nutley. b) Alcoholic beverages containing Chametz are included in the Halacha of Chametz She’avar Alav HaPesach . The turnover rate of inventory in liquor stores takes longer than in supermarkets. Therefore, it is recommended that one wait until after Shavuos before buying alcoholic beverages from a Jewish-owned store that did not arrange for the sale of Chametz. 3) Non-Chametz products can be bought in any store.
2014-04-23
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