Keilim Tevilat

IMMERSING DISHES & UTENSILS IN A MIKVAH

In a kosher kitchen, many types of dishes and utensils must be immersed in a mikvah before they may be used. Tevilat keilim is independent from kashering. The basic difference between the two is that kashering refers to various methods of extracting or burning absorbed substances, while tevilat keilim is a ritual of sanctifying the utensil. Based on this discrepancy, tevilat keilim has different applications, requirements, and guidelines than kashering

Ownership Requirements

The function of tevilat keilim is to sanctify a vessel that is now owned by a Jew. Consequently, if an item was originally made by a Jew, and has always been owned by a Jew, the item would not require tevilah (immersion in the mikvah). Conversely, if an item is owned jointly or in a partnership with a non-Jew, it would also not need tevilah. If later the Jew becomes the exclusive owner, the item would then need tevilah

Tevilat keilim is required only on utensils that are considered klai achila, utensils used for food preparation or mealtime. Based on this classification, a storeowner who sells these utensils should not tovel them. This is because the storeowner relates to them as klai schorah, store inventory, and not as klai achila. Once the customer buys the utensil, the utensil is now considered klai achila, and the utensil could now be tovelled

Questions arise when sending a gift if the sender could do the tevilah. As the scenarios can be quite complex, one should consult their rabbi or contact the COR with the specific question.

Utensil Requirements

We are required to tovel (immerse in a mikvah) items that come into direct contact with food both during preparation and at mealtime. Oven racks generally do not come into direct contact with food, and would, therefore, not require tevilah, but the racks from a toaster oven which do directly touch food would require tevilah

To require tevilah, items must be made of metal (including aluminum, brass, copper, gold, iron, lead, silver, steel, and tin) or glass (including Pyrex, Duralex, and Corelle). Wood, plastic, rubber, and unglazed earthenware do not require tevilah

Preparing The Utensil

In order for the tevilah to be valid, the item must be immersed in the mikvah waters without any interference. The item must, therefore, be prepared accordingly. All labels and stickers that one plans to remove when using the item must be removed before tevilah. After the sticker is removed, any residual adhesive that is left on the item must be removed as well. On a practical note, WD-40, nail polish remover, and Goo Gone are known to be effective in adhesive removal. Also, if there are many items to tovel, it is recommended to prepare the items before going to the mikvah

Bracha

Generally, one must make a bracha (blessing) before performing the mitzvah of tevilat keilim. One should hold the item or one of the items that is to be tovelled while making the bracha. If one item is being tovelled the bracha is “Baruch…asher kedishanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu al tevilat keli.” If many items are to be tovelled the bracha changes to “Baruch… asher kedishanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu al tevilat keilim.”

There are a number of items that require tevilah where a bracha is not said. This

Did you know?

Some of the most common questions that arise pertaining to tevilat keilim concern tovelling small electrical appliances. Typical sandwich makers, hot water kettles, and urns require tevilah. Discuss with your rabbi or COR how to practically tovel these appliances. For example, how much of the appliance must be immersed? Does the cord have to be immersed as well?

When it comes to appliances with a digital panel, e.g. a Keurig coffee brewer, there is a greater concern that these items would be ruined with tevilah. Taking this into account, there is a valid halachic claim that tevilah is not required. As mentioned in the article, if an item is partially owned by a non-Jew, it does not require tevilah. Therefore, under the circumstances, it would be advisable to sell a percentage of the appliance to a non-Jew. To receive instructions on how to properly administer such a transaction, talk to your rabbi or call COR to obtain a contract which has been designed specifically for this purpose.

could be for a number of reasons. For example, if there is an uncertainty in halacha if an item requires tevilah, then tevilah would be done without a bracha Many of these items are listed in the accompanying chart.

Tevilah Procedure

It is preferable to wet one’s hand before tovelling the item, and if possible to do this before making the bracha. The item being tovelled must be totally immersed with the mikvah waters touching the entire item both outside and inside. The entire item must be under water at one time and may not be immersed in stages. One must be aware when tovelling many items simultaneously that the pile is not weighed down in a way that water cannot reach all the items.

As with any matter in halacha, if a question arises or if you need further guidance, consult your rabbi or contact COR. g