It is permitted to derive benefit from the chametz of a gentile over which Pesach has passed. [This is not to say that it is forbidden to eat it — but since it is to be taught: "and it is forbidden to derive benefit from that of an Israelite," the antithesis is stated in respect to a gentile. Or else, because there are some who forbid to themselves the bread of a gentile, it is not stated explicitly: "It is permitted to eat the chametz of a gentile."]; and it is forbidden to derive benefit from that of an Israelite, it being written (Exodus 13:7): "Se'or (leaven) shall not be seen unto you." [That is, he is penalized for having transgressed "Se'or shall not be seen unto you." Or else, this refers to the beginning, viz.: "The chametz of a gentile is permitted," it being written: "Se'or shall not be seen unto you," which is expounded: What is yours, you may not see, but you may see what is a gentile's.]
Bartenura on Mishnah Pesachim
מותר בהנאה – that is not to say that regarding eating it is forbidden, but since the Mishnah needs to teach the concluding statement [concerning Hametz] of an Israelite is forbidden to derive benefit [from it], the Tanna/teacher [of our Mishnah] taught concerning that of a heathen that is permissible to derive benefit of [his Hametz/leavened product]. Because of this, it is not taught explicitly that the leavened products of a heathen are permissible to eat.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Pesachim
Introduction
This mishnah and tomorrow’s mishnah complete the chronologically ordered discussion about removing chametz. (In chapter three the mishnah will discuss what exactly chametz is, and which chametz must be removed.) While we were previously discussing the day before Pesah, these mishnayot skip ahead until after Pesah and rule what is to be done with chametz that was not destroyed before Pesah.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Pesachim
משום שנאמר לא יראה לך – that is to say, we subject him to a fine , for since he violated [the precept] “that it should not be seen with you.” Alternatively, it refers to the first section [of the Mishnah], that the Hametz/leavened products of a heathen is permissible [to derive benefit] because it says, “it should not be seen with you,” and we explain that “yours” one cannot see, but you may see that [Hametz] of others.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Pesachim
Chametz which belongs to a gentile over which Pesach has passed is permitted for benefit; A Jew may eat chametz that a gentile owned on Pesah since there is no prohibition for a gentile to own chametz on Pesah. The phrase “over which Pesah has passed” means that the chametz existed during Pesah.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Pesachim
But that of an Israelite is forbidden for benefit, as it is said, “No leavened bread shall be found with you.” However, a Jew may not eat or derive any benefit from chametz that any Jew (himself or other) owned over Pesah. Practically this is a very significant issue in the modern world. If a store owned by a Jew does not either get rid of or sell its chametz before Pesah a Jew may not eat that chametz even after Pesah. In Israel restaurants and food stores hang up signs which guarantee that they have sold their chametz before Pesah. The midrash at the end of this mishnah presents the prohibition for possessing chametz. According to the Talmud, since the Jew did not get rid of his chametz before Pesah, he is punished and it becomes for him or any other Jew to derive benefit from it every again.
