Warren Buffet, the world's third richest man, is known for his sharp grasp of international finance and his ability to sniff out a good deal.

His instincts did not fail him last month when he symbolically bought the chametz of a rabbi in his home state of Nebraska.

The billionaire agreed to buy the leavened bread of the Omaha community from Rabbi Jonathan Gross, in accordance with the Jewish tradition.

But Jewish practice dictates that the chametz is sold only one day before the festival, which this year begins on the evening of April 6.

According to the Omaha World-Herald, Mr Buffet's schedule meant that was not an option, so he and Rabbi Gross agreed on a "symbolic" sale of some chametz last month, to raise the profile of a local food charity.

For two dollars, in denominations of four 50 cent coins, Mr Buffet bought several boxes of food, including a challah, some Cheetos and a bottle of Scotch. The food was later donated to a food bank.