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Is Spelt Flour Chametz?

Question

Is it OK to sell spelt flour or any flour for Pesach, or is it considered real chametz that should be thrown out?

Answer

Spelt flour is chametz.

Sources

The Mishnah lists spelt (kusmin) among the five grains used for matzah, together with wheat, barley, rye and oats. The Shulchan Aruch repeats this list. It then contrasts these grains with rice and other legumes, which “also do not come to be leavened.” This shows that the five grains, spelt included, are the ones that can become chametz. Spelt is therefore treated like wheat for the laws of chametz.

  • Mishnah Pesachim 2:5 — one fulfills the obligation of matzah with wheat, barley, spelt, rye and oats
  • Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 453:1 — matzah is made from the five grains including spelt, unlike rice and legumes, which do not become leavened

Author

Rabbi Shay Tahan

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