Toiveling items that were sold – FAQs

As Keylim Mikvaos are now widely open, members of the public are advised of the obligation to toivel items that were sold using the Federation's Mechiras Keylim service.

1. Why do the items need to be toiveled if they had been sold?

The items were exempt from tevilla because they belonged to a non-Jew as a result of a sale. However, this procedure should only be relied upon in extenuating circumstances. Once the opportunity to toivel in a mikveh becomes available, one should ensure to toivel the keylim.

2. How should the items be prepared for tevilla?
   2. 1. Before toiveling the items, they should be cleaned well to remove any dirt.
      2. If some stains or food remains are difficult to remove, then the item may still be toiveled. In such cases, the following rules apply:
   • • • For a cooking vessel (pot, pan, ladle), if the dirt is not significant and would normally be ignored when the utensil is put away, it need not be removed.
       • For glassware and china which are used for service, staining is not usually acceptable and must be cleaned to a standard widely acceptable for use when serving.

    

3. What is the procedure for tevilla?

• 1. Lift the vessel with the intention to acquire it back from the gentile who has owned it until now.
  2. Make a brocho (if the item being toiveled usually requires a brocho – see below).
  3. Dip the items in the mikva ensuring that the entire item is immersed at one time.
  4. Gloves may be worn when toiveling vessels.

4. Which items are toiveled with a brocho?

In order to make a brocho on tevilla, the item being toiveled must unquestionably require tevilla. In any cases of doubtful obligation, a brocho is omitted.

Below some guidance:

• If the item is made of metal or glass AND is used to cook, bake, serve or eat food items, then tevilla is required and a brocho must be made.
• Items made of plastic, wood or unglazed earthenware do not require tevilla.
• Items made of glazed ceramic or china, require tevilla but no brocho is recited.
• Items that are not used in direct contact with food do not require tevilla, for example, bottle openers, can openers and trivets.

For any questions relating to specific items, please contact Shailatext on 07403939613.

5. What should I do about electrical items which cannot be toiveled?

Items that will be damaged beyond repair by tevilla may be exempted from tevilla by selling the item to a non-Jew. These items, once sold, will permanently belong to the non-Jew and one is thereby exempt from tevilla.

This hetter/permission should be applied in a limited manner. Members of the public are advised to contact their Rov.