The blessing that kicks off the search TB Pesakhim 7

Starting with yesterday's daf and continuing on today's daf TB Pesakhim 7 we begin learning the laws of searching for the hametz (בדיקת חמץ) in earnest. The search for hametz begins the process of eliminating all hametz in one's possession. Remember, one is forbidden to eat, to benefit from, and to own hametz during the holiday of Passover.

“Rav Yehuda said: One who searches for leaven must recite a blessing.” (Sefaria.org translation) Concerning the nullification of hametz, many transcripts say that annulling in one’s heart (בליבו) is sufficient. Ramban and Rebeinu Nissin say that there is no need to say the annulment because the essence of the matter is making the hamezt ownerless (הפקר) and one only needs a heart felt willingness to make the hametz ownerless.. The Ritba says one needs to say the annulment but one does not have to say it loud enough to hear the words. Some commentaries say that the meaning of "in one’s heart" means that the annulment that he says must really come from the heart. Just saying the words is insufficient.

“The Gemara asks: What blessing does he recite, i.e., what is the correct formula of the blessing? Rav Pappi said in the name of Rava that one recites: Who has made us holy through His mitzvot and has commanded us to remove leavened bread (לְבַעֵר חָמֵץ). Rav Pappa said in the name of Rava: One should recite: Concerning the removal of leavened bread (עַל בִּיעוּר חָמֵץ). The Gemara comments: With regard to the formula: To remove, everyone agrees that it certainly refers to the future. This formulation undoubtedly indicates that the person reciting the blessing is about to begin fulfilling the mitzva of removing leaven, and it is therefore an appropriate blessing.” (Sefaria.org translation)

The formulation of the blessing is important because of the following rule. “”In any event, it is clear from the previous discussion that everyone agrees that one is required to recite a blessing prior to performing a mitzva. (כׇּל הַמִּצְוֹת מְבָרֵךְ עֲלֵיהֶן עוֹבֵר לַעֲשִׂיָּיתָן)” (Sefaria.org translation) In other words one first says the blessing and immediately does the action. For example, one says the blessing over the bread first and then takes a bite of it and not the reverse taking a bite of the bread and then says the blessing. The Gemara to decides that the correct blessing is Praise for you Lord our God, Ruler of the universe who has commanded us concerning the removal of leavened bread (בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ

עַל בִּיעוּר חָמֵץ ).