Q: What is Tevillas Kailim (Immersion of Vessels)

A: Utensils for preparing serving or eating food, acquired from a gentile must be immersed before use. Immersion (Tevillah) is done in a mikvah or a body of natural body of water (ocean, river, lake etc.). The utensil is completely immersed in the water and, depending on certain factors, a bracha (blessing) is recited.

Q: What sort of utensils require tevillah?

A: Pots, pans, urns, dishes, knives, spoons, forks, shears, blades and bowl of a blender, bowl and beaters of a mixer, racks, trays, grates, salt or pepper or sugar shakers, food crushers, grinders, graters, mashers, egg slicers, vegetable peelers, sieves, strainers, funnels, ice trays, needles used in sewing meats, toaster ovens and chicken.

A: Bread box, can opener, bottle opener, stove racks, refrigerator racks, vegetable bins, a toaster, immersion heater coil, dentures.

Q: Does it matter what the utensil is made of?

A: i. Metal, glass, Duralex and Pyrex need to be immersed with the blessing. ii. Corelle and corningware should be immersed without a blessing. iii. Earthenware, porcelain, plastics, melmac, nylon, stone wood, animal bones, rubber, paper, and glazed utensils do not require immersion. iv. Disposable utensils do not require tevillah unless you plan to use them several times.

Questions? You can contact Rabbi Lederman at (858) 613-0222 or RBL613@Juno.com