The Torah famously commands in the Book of Shemot (13:3), “Ve’lo Ye’achel Hametz” (“and leaven shall not be eaten”), establishing a Biblical prohibition against eating Hametz during the seven days of Pesach. This prohibition, of course, applies even after the destruction of the Bet Ha’mikdash, in all locations, and to both men and women. One who ate a Ke’zayit of Hametz on Pesach knowingly violating this prohibition is liable to the severe punishment of Karet (eternal excision from the Jewish People). If this was done unintentionally, then, in the times of the Bet Ha’mikdash, the violator would be required to offer a Hatat (sin-offering). One who eats Hametz on Pesach has likely also violated the affirmative command of “Tashbitu Se’or Mi’batechem,” which requires eliminating all Hametz from one’s home on the 14 th of Nissan. If so, then he would be required to offer an Ola sacrifice, as well, in order to atone for the neglect of this Misvat Aseh (affirmative command). As we discussed earlier, in our discussion of Misva #12 (“Kol Mahmeset Lo Tochelu”), this prohibition serves to commemorate the haste with which our ancestors were driven from Egypt at the time of the Exodus. They did not have time to prepare proper food provisions, and ended up baking unleavened bread, and so we commemorate this miracle by refraining from all leavened products during this holiday which celebrates Yesi’at Misrayim.