Tevilat Keilim: Difference between revisions

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==Basics==
==Basics==
# Utensils used for a meal that are bought from a non-Jew require Tevilah (immersion in a kosher mivkeh). <Ref>S”A YD 120 </ref>
# Utensils used for a meal that are bought from a non-Jew require Tevilah (immersion in a kosher mivkeh). <Ref>S”A YD 120 </ref>
# Many Rishonim hold that this obligation is biblical, while some consider it only rabbinic. <Ref>Sh”t Yechava Daat 4:64 </ref>
# One who is unsure whether or not one's utensils were purchased from a Jewish owned company should immerse them without reciting the accompanying blessing. <Ref> Igrot Moshe Y.D. 3:21 </ref>
# It is actually a matter of dispute amongst the authorities whether the mitzva of tevilat keilim has the status of a Torah commandment or a rabbinical one. <Ref> Yabia Omer Y.D. 2:9 </ref>Nevertheless, most halachic authorities treat tevilat keilim as a Biblical mitzva for all intents and purposes. <Ref> Aruch Hashulchan Y.D. 120:4, Sh”t Yechava Daat 4:64 </ref>
==Which vessels require Tevilah?==
==Which vessels require Tevilah?==
# While the immersion of metal utensils is required by Torah law, glass utensils must be immersed only by rabbinic enactment. Glass was incorporated into the mitzva of tevilat keilim because glass and metal share a common characteristic - they are both materials which can be melted and reconstructed when needed. <ref> Aruch Hashulchan Y.D. 120:25 </ref>
# Metal, glass, crystal, pyrex, and duralux require Tevilah. However, plastic, nylon, earthenware, and vessels covered in earthenware do not require Tevilah. <Ref>Sh”t Yabea Omer 4:8, Hilchot Tevilat Kelim (Rabbi Moshe Fariz, 2:2-3) </ref>
# Metal, glass, crystal, pyrex, and duralux require Tevilah. However, plastic, nylon, earthenware, and vessels covered in earthenware do not require Tevilah. <Ref>Sh”t Yabea Omer 4:8, Hilchot Tevilat Kelim (Rabbi Moshe Fariz, 2:2-3) </ref>
# Some say that porcelain requires Tevilah, <ref> Hilchot Tevilat Kelim (Rabbi Moshe Fariz, 2:6) explains that even though some poskim held that it wasn’t obligated that was only because they were discussing porcelain which was ceramic not covered with glass, however, nowadays the common porcelain is covered with glass and must require Tevilah. Sh”t Yabea Omer 4:8 writes that porcelain doesn’t require tevilah. </ref>
# Some say that porcelain requires Tevilah, <ref> Hilchot Tevilat Kelim (Rabbi Moshe Fariz, 2:6) explains that even though some poskim held that it wasn’t obligated that was only because they were discussing porcelain which was ceramic not covered with glass, however, nowadays the common porcelain is covered with glass and must require Tevilah. Sh”t Yabea Omer 4:8 writes that porcelain doesn’t require tevilah. </ref>
# Plastic or wood cutting boards do not need Tevilah, but those who are strict and do Tevilah for it will be blessed. <Ref> Hilchot Tevilat Kelim (Rabbi Moshe Fariz, 2:2-4) </ref>
# Plastic or wood cutting boards do not need Tevilah, but those who are strict and do Tevilah for it will be blessed. <Ref> Hilchot Tevilat Kelim (Rabbi Moshe Fariz, 2:2-4) </ref>
 
# One need not immerse earthenware dishes, even if they contain some sort of glass coating or finish.  <Ref> Igrot Moshe Y.D. 2:46 </ref>Those who nevertheless choose to immerse glazed earthenware dishes or fine china must do so without reciting the blessing, as the immersion is not truly required.
# Similarly, jars, bottles, or metal containers which are used only to store food and not used for food preparation or consumption should be immersed without a blessing. Utensils which are only used indirectly with food, such as bottle openers, and the like, do not require immersion.  <Ref> Shach Y.D. 120:11, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:8-9, Shevet Halevi 6:245:4 </ref>
# Common custom is not to require the immersion of plastic utensils  <ref> Melamed Lehoil 2:48 </ref>even though some authorities argue that the similarities between glass and plastic would require it.  <ref> Tzitz Eliezer 7:37, 8:26, Chelkat Yaakov 2:163, Yabia Omer Y.D. 4:8 </ref>
# Utensils which one is certain that they contain no glass or metal components need not be immersed.  <Ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:3 </ref>
# Due to the doubt whether or not Corelle dishes are halachically similar to glass dishes, they too should be immersed, though the accompanying blessing is not recited. NEEDS SOURCE
== Disposable utensils==
# The mitzva of tevilat keilim only requires one to immerse those utensils which are intended to be used in food preparation or consumption.  Although disposable utensils, such as aluminum pans, need not be immersed,  <ref> Rambam Keilim 7:5, Igrot Moshe Y.D. 3:23 </ref>one who intends to re-use them a number of times should do so. <ref> Minchat Yitzchak 5:32 </ref>
==Electric appliances==
==Electric appliances==
Modern-day electrical appliances present the mitzva of tevilat keilim with its biggest challenge. This is, of course, because water can damage electrical appliances or even cause harm to those who use the item following the immersion. There are differing approaches among the halachic authorities as to how one should to proceed with such items. Some authorities are of the opinion that anything which must be plugged into the wall in order to be used is halachically considered as if it were attached to the ground and anything which is attached to the ground is exempt from tevilat keilim.  <Ref> Chelkat Yaakov 1:126 </ref>
# Modern-day electrical appliances present the mitzva of tevilat keilim with its biggest challenge. This is, of course, because water can damage electrical appliances or even cause harm to those who use the item following the immersion. There are differing approaches among the halachic authorities as to how one should to proceed with such items. Some authorities are of the opinion that anything which must be plugged into the wall in order to be used is halachically considered as if it were attached to the ground and anything which is attached to the ground is exempt from tevilat keilim.  <Ref> Chelkat Yaakov 1:126 </ref> Most authorities, however, reject this comparison and require even electrical items to be immersed just like all others. While some of these authorities require the entire item to be immersed along with all its electrical components, others say that only the actual components which come in direct contact with food need be immersed.  <Ref> Igrot Moshe Y.D. 1:57-58, Chelkat Yaakov 3:43 </ref>
 
Most authorities, however, reject this comparison and require even electrical items to be immersed just like all others. While some of these authorities require the entire item to be immersed along with all its electrical components, others say that only the actual components which come in direct contact with food need be immersed.  <Ref> Igrot Moshe Y.D. 1:57-58, Chelkat Yaakov 3:43 </ref>
===Toaster===
===Toaster===
# According to many authorities a toaster requires Tevilah with a bracha. <ref>Mishneh Halachot 9:162, Bear Moshe 4:100, Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:450, Sefer Tevilat Kelim 11:52 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalman and Rav Wosner, Bayit HaYehudi 39:6, [https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kof-k.org%2Farticles%2F040108090413W-3%2520Tevilas%2520Keilim.pdf Kof-K] quoting Rav Yacov Kamenetsky that such is the minhag </ref>However, some argue that it doesn't require Tevilah. <ref> Sh"t Igrot Moshe YD 3:24 </ref> Sephardim hold that that it requires but should be done without a bracha. <ref>http://halachayomit.co.il/QuestionDetails.aspx?ID=160 which is based on the opinions of Rav Ovadyah Yosef</ref>
# According to many authorities a toaster requires Tevilah with a bracha. <ref>Mishneh Halachot 9:162, Bear Moshe 4:100, Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:450, Sefer Tevilat Kelim 11:52 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalman and Rav Wosner, Bayit HaYehudi 39:6, [https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kof-k.org%2Farticles%2F040108090413W-3%2520Tevilas%2520Keilim.pdf Kof-K] quoting Rav Yacov Kamenetsky that such is the minhag </ref>However, some argue that it doesn't require Tevilah. <ref> Sh"t Igrot Moshe YD 3:24 </ref> Sephardim hold that that it requires but should be done without a bracha. <ref>http://halachayomit.co.il/QuestionDetails.aspx?ID=160 which is based on the opinions of Rav Ovadyah Yosef</ref>
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# One should hold the vessel loosely. <Ref>Halichot Olam (vol 7, pg 253), Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A YD 120:5) </ref>
# One should hold the vessel loosely. <Ref>Halichot Olam (vol 7, pg 253), Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A YD 120:5) </ref>
# One must immerse the entire vessel at one time and not half at a time. <Ref>Halichot Olam (vol 7, pg 253), Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A YD 120:5) </ref>
# One must immerse the entire vessel at one time and not half at a time. <Ref>Halichot Olam (vol 7, pg 253), Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A YD 120:5) </ref>
# One must make sure to sure all stickers, labels, and rust. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef YD 120:6 </ref>
# One must make sure to sure all stickers, labels, and rust. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef YD 120:6, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:10 </ref>
# The utensil is immersed once, ensuring that it is completely covered by the water of the mikva. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:10 </ref>
# One should remove a knife from the case before immersion. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef YD 120:6 </ref>
# One should remove a knife from the case before immersion. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef YD 120:6 </ref>
# A child under Bar Mitzvah can only do Tevilah in the presence of an adult and he can even make the Bracha. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef YD 120:25, Sh”t Yabea Omer 2:9(8) </ref>
# A child under Bar Mitzvah can only do Tevilah in the presence of an adult and he can even make the Bracha. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef YD 120:25, Sh”t Yabea Omer 2:9(8) </ref> It is best not to allow a minor to perform the immersion. <ref> Y.D. 120:14, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:12 </ref>
# Tevilat keilim is not to be performed on Shabbat or Yom Tov.  <ref>  Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:13 </ref>
# A utensil may not be used, even once, before it is immersed in a mikva.  <Ref>  Rema Y.D. 120:8 </ref>
# One, who for whatever reason, is unable to immerse a utensil which is urgently needed should give the item to a Gentile as a gift and then borrow it back from him.  <Ref>  Y.D. 120:16;Rema </ref>
# A non-kosher utensil should first be kashered prior to immersing it.  <ref> Y.D. 121:2, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:4 </ref>
# It is unclear whether or not one who converts to Judaism is required to immerse the utensils he already owns. NEEDS SOURCE
==Bracha==
==Bracha==
# For one vessel the Bracha is Al Tevilat Kli and for multiple vessels the Bracha is Al Tevilat Kelim. After the fact, if one switched Kli for Kelim or the opposite one has fulfilled one’s obligation. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef YD 120:7 </ref>
# For one vessel the Bracha is Al Tevilat Kli and for multiple vessels the Bracha is Al Tevilat Kelim. After the fact, if one switched Kli for Kelim or the opposite one has fulfilled one’s obligation. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef YD 120:7 </ref>

Revision as of 11:41, 24 October 2011

The Torah commands us to immerse metal [1] utensils that are purchased or otherwise acquired from a non-Jew in a mikva prior to their first use. [2] This mitzva is referred to as "tevilat keilim", the immersion of utensils. It is suggested that tevilat keilim, which appears in the Torah following the battle with the Midianites, was a mitzva intended to remove impurity from the utensils which had been in the presence of the dead. [3]

The mitzva of tevilat keilim is often compared to the conversion of a Gentile to Judaism - just as a conversion to Judaism requires immersion in a mikva, so too a utensil which "converts" from Gentile to Jewish ownership requires immersion, as well. [4] One is not required to immerse utensils which one borrows from a non-Jew. [5]As we will see, the mitzva of tevilat keilim generally applies only to metal and glass utensils.

Basics

  1. Utensils used for a meal that are bought from a non-Jew require Tevilah (immersion in a kosher mivkeh). [6]
  2. One who is unsure whether or not one's utensils were purchased from a Jewish owned company should immerse them without reciting the accompanying blessing. [7]
  3. It is actually a matter of dispute amongst the authorities whether the mitzva of tevilat keilim has the status of a Torah commandment or a rabbinical one. [8]Nevertheless, most halachic authorities treat tevilat keilim as a Biblical mitzva for all intents and purposes. [9]

Which vessels require Tevilah?

  1. While the immersion of metal utensils is required by Torah law, glass utensils must be immersed only by rabbinic enactment. Glass was incorporated into the mitzva of tevilat keilim because glass and metal share a common characteristic - they are both materials which can be melted and reconstructed when needed. [10]
  2. Metal, glass, crystal, pyrex, and duralux require Tevilah. However, plastic, nylon, earthenware, and vessels covered in earthenware do not require Tevilah. [11]
  3. Some say that porcelain requires Tevilah, [12]
  4. Plastic or wood cutting boards do not need Tevilah, but those who are strict and do Tevilah for it will be blessed. [13]
  5. One need not immerse earthenware dishes, even if they contain some sort of glass coating or finish. [14]Those who nevertheless choose to immerse glazed earthenware dishes or fine china must do so without reciting the blessing, as the immersion is not truly required.
  6. Similarly, jars, bottles, or metal containers which are used only to store food and not used for food preparation or consumption should be immersed without a blessing. Utensils which are only used indirectly with food, such as bottle openers, and the like, do not require immersion. [15]
  7. Common custom is not to require the immersion of plastic utensils [16]even though some authorities argue that the similarities between glass and plastic would require it. [17]
  8. Utensils which one is certain that they contain no glass or metal components need not be immersed. [18]
  9. Due to the doubt whether or not Corelle dishes are halachically similar to glass dishes, they too should be immersed, though the accompanying blessing is not recited. NEEDS SOURCE

Disposable utensils

  1. The mitzva of tevilat keilim only requires one to immerse those utensils which are intended to be used in food preparation or consumption. Although disposable utensils, such as aluminum pans, need not be immersed, [19]one who intends to re-use them a number of times should do so. [20]

Electric appliances

  1. Modern-day electrical appliances present the mitzva of tevilat keilim with its biggest challenge. This is, of course, because water can damage electrical appliances or even cause harm to those who use the item following the immersion. There are differing approaches among the halachic authorities as to how one should to proceed with such items. Some authorities are of the opinion that anything which must be plugged into the wall in order to be used is halachically considered as if it were attached to the ground and anything which is attached to the ground is exempt from tevilat keilim. [21] Most authorities, however, reject this comparison and require even electrical items to be immersed just like all others. While some of these authorities require the entire item to be immersed along with all its electrical components, others say that only the actual components which come in direct contact with food need be immersed. [22]

Toaster

  1. According to many authorities a toaster requires Tevilah with a bracha. [23]However, some argue that it doesn't require Tevilah. [24] Sephardim hold that that it requires but should be done without a bracha. [25]
  2. If the toaster will brake by being dipped in the mikvah one should either bring it to an Jewish expert mechanic who will take it apart (to the point that no everyone would know how to fix it) and put it back together or to give it to a non-Jew and then borrow it from him. [26]

Sandwich maker

  1. A sandwich-maker needs to be Toveled. [27]
  2. A blender needs Tevilah with a bracha. [28]

Microwave

  1. Some say that a microwave (glass) tray which does not touch food doesn't require Tevilah, and if it does touch food then it requires Tevilah.[29] However, some say that one should dip it without a bracha in all cases. [30]

Procedure of Tevilah

  1. One should hold the vessel loosely. [31]
  2. One must immerse the entire vessel at one time and not half at a time. [32]
  3. One must make sure to sure all stickers, labels, and rust. [33]
  4. The utensil is immersed once, ensuring that it is completely covered by the water of the mikva. [34]
  5. One should remove a knife from the case before immersion. [35]
  6. A child under Bar Mitzvah can only do Tevilah in the presence of an adult and he can even make the Bracha. [36] It is best not to allow a minor to perform the immersion. [37]
  7. Tevilat keilim is not to be performed on Shabbat or Yom Tov. [38]
  8. A utensil may not be used, even once, before it is immersed in a mikva. [39]
  9. One, who for whatever reason, is unable to immerse a utensil which is urgently needed should give the item to a Gentile as a gift and then borrow it back from him. [40]
  10. A non-kosher utensil should first be kashered prior to immersing it. [41]
  11. It is unclear whether or not one who converts to Judaism is required to immerse the utensils he already owns. NEEDS SOURCE

Bracha

  1. For one vessel the Bracha is Al Tevilat Kli and for multiple vessels the Bracha is Al Tevilat Kelim. After the fact, if one switched Kli for Kelim or the opposite one has fulfilled one’s obligation. [42]

Links

  1. http://www.oukosher.org/index.php/passover/article/tevilat_keilim/

References

  1. ↑ Gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, and lead are all types of metal.
  2. ↑ Bamidbar 31:23;Rashi, Avoda Zara 75b
  3. ↑ Rashi;Bamidbar 31:23
  4. ↑ Rashba;Yevamot 47b,Yerushalmi Avoda Zara 5:16
  5. ↑ S”A Y.D. 120:8, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:5
  6. ↑ S”A YD 120
  7. ↑ Igrot Moshe Y.D. 3:21
  8. ↑ Yabia Omer Y.D. 2:9
  9. ↑ Aruch Hashulchan Y.D. 120:4, Sh”t Yechava Daat 4:64
  10. ↑ Aruch Hashulchan Y.D. 120:25
  11. ↑ Sh”t Yabea Omer 4:8, Hilchot Tevilat Kelim (Rabbi Moshe Fariz, 2:2-3)
  12. ↑ Hilchot Tevilat Kelim (Rabbi Moshe Fariz, 2:6) explains that even though some poskim held that it wasn’t obligated that was only because they were discussing porcelain which was ceramic not covered with glass, however, nowadays the common porcelain is covered with glass and must require Tevilah. Sh”t Yabea Omer 4:8 writes that porcelain doesn’t require tevilah.
  13. ↑ Hilchot Tevilat Kelim (Rabbi Moshe Fariz, 2:2-4)
  14. ↑ Igrot Moshe Y.D. 2:46
  15. ↑ Shach Y.D. 120:11, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:8-9, Shevet Halevi 6:245:4
  16. ↑ Melamed Lehoil 2:48
  17. ↑ Tzitz Eliezer 7:37, 8:26, Chelkat Yaakov 2:163, Yabia Omer Y.D. 4:8
  18. ↑ Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:3
  19. ↑ Rambam Keilim 7:5, Igrot Moshe Y.D. 3:23
  20. ↑ Minchat Yitzchak 5:32
  21. ↑ Chelkat Yaakov 1:126
  22. ↑ Igrot Moshe Y.D. 1:57-58, Chelkat Yaakov 3:43
  23. ↑ Mishneh Halachot 9:162, Bear Moshe 4:100, Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:450, Sefer Tevilat Kelim 11:52 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalman and Rav Wosner, Bayit HaYehudi 39:6, Kof-K quoting Rav Yacov Kamenetsky that such is the minhag
  24. ↑ Sh"t Igrot Moshe YD 3:24
  25. ↑ http://halachayomit.co.il/QuestionDetails.aspx?ID=160 which is based on the opinions of Rav Ovadyah Yosef
  26. ↑ http://halachayomit.co.il/QuestionDetails.aspx?ID=160, http://www.moreshet.co.il/web/shut/shut2.asp?id=118646
  27. ↑ Rabbi B. Forst http://www.kashrut.com/articles/tevilas_keilim/
  28. ↑ Bayit HaYehudi 39:6, Tevilat Kelim 11:14, Mishneh Halachot 2:32
  29. ↑ Kof-K
  30. ↑ Star-K
  31. ↑ Halichot Olam (vol 7, pg 253), Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A YD 120:5)
  32. ↑ Halichot Olam (vol 7, pg 253), Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A YD 120:5)
  33. ↑ Yalkut Yosef YD 120:6, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:10
  34. ↑ Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:10
  35. ↑ Yalkut Yosef YD 120:6
  36. ↑ Yalkut Yosef YD 120:25, Sh”t Yabea Omer 2:9(8)
  37. ↑ Y.D. 120:14, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:12
  38. ↑ Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:13
  39. ↑ Rema Y.D. 120:8
  40. ↑ Y.D. 120:16;Rema
  41. ↑ Y.D. 121:2, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 37:4
  42. ↑ Yalkut Yosef YD 120:7
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