Mechiras Keylim – Selling utensils

What is Mechiras Keylim?

Mechiras Keylim is a process through which kitchen utensils can be exempted from the mitzvah of Tevillas Keylim (immersing utensils in a Mikva). This is achieved by selling the utensils to a non-Jew, thereby removing the obligation.

When May Mechiras Keylim Be Used?

Under normal circumstances, one is obligated to fulfill the mitzvah of Tevillas Keylim, and it is not appropriate to seek to exempt oneself from this obligation.

The Mechiras Keylim service is therefore intended only for extenuating circumstances in which performing Tevillas Keylim is not feasible. Examples of such circumstances include cases where the item will be damaged if immersed, or when one does not have access to a mikvah or a suitable body of water.

Before relying on this option, one should consult their family Rov to determine whether it is allowed in their specific situation.

In some situations, Mechiras Keylim may only be used temporarily. In such cases, before one later toivels them, one must lift the item with the intention to acquire it back from the non-Jew who bought them. One should also remember to thoroughly clean the item before toiveling it.

When one later toivels the items one should toivel with a brocho (if appropriate). (NOTE: THIS IS A REVISED PSAK, WE HAD PREVIOUSLY INSTRUCTED NOT TO MAKE A BROCHO)

How does this work?

Vessels which are owned by a non-Jew are not subject to the Mitzva of Tevillas Keylim.

By filling in the form below, you are instructing Kehillas Federation’s Rabbonim and Dayonim to sell the items to a non-Jew on your behalf.

What happens when I fill in the form?

1. Kehillas Federation Beis Din get a notification informing us that you wish to sell the items.
2. At 5 pm UK time, all requests which have been accumulated during the day are sent to our Rabbonim who will arrange the sale.
3. The Rabbonim then arrange a remote sale making use of a bank transfer (kinyan kessef) and other halachic measures (Oidisa and Kinyan Agav) – this formalises the sale of your items.
4. If you are unsure whether your form was received, please email reception@federation.org.uk.

When can I use the items?

1. The sale does not take place immediately when you fill in the form. Permission to use the items commences only once the sale has taken place. If you submit the form by 5pm UK time, then your items will get sold that day.
2. You may not use your items until 6.15pm UK time.
3. At 6.15pm, you may assume that the sale has taken place and the items may be used.
4. On Mon-Fri the form must be submitted by 5 pm to be able to use the items that day.
5. ON WINTER FRIDAYS the form must be submitted BY 2.30PM, to be able to use the items that day. Please remember to wait until 3:45pm on Winter Fridays to use the item.
6. THERE IS NO MECHIRA ON SUNDAYS; ITEMS SUBMITTED AFTER 2.30 PM ON WINTER FRIDAYS MAY ONLY BE USED ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY FROM 6.15 PM.