AhuvasIma
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 Tue, Mar 24 2020, 10:22 pm
2. Hagolas Kelim (Kashering of Utensils) - There will be no public hagolas kelim this year. Information
on how to Kasher your utensils in your home is available from your Rav and at www.star-k.org.
3. Tevilas Kelim/Immersion of Food Utensils in a Mikva – As is well known, food utensils (e.g. pots,
pans, cutlery, drinking glasses, etc.) require Tevilas Kelim. However, to avoid overcrowding at the
Kelim Mikva, which would create a serious public health concern, effective immediately the Kelim
Mikvaos have been closed. Because of these extenuating circumstances one may rely on the
leniency that utensils that are “hefker” (ownerless) or not belonging to a Jew, do not require
tevila. This can be accomplished in the following manner:
a. If Purchasing Utensils from a Non-Jew - Before purchasing such utensils from a non-Jew,
declare or have the following specifically in mind: “I am not acquiring these utensils. Even
when I pay for them and take them home, they will not belong to me.”
b. If You Already Acquired Utensils or You are Purchasing them from a Jewish-Owned Store -
If you already own utensils that were not toveled (e.g. you already purchased them but did
not yet immerse them in the mikva) or you purchased or received utensils as a gift from
someone Jewish, you must make the utensils “hefker” (ownerless) before using them.
• Follow these instructions: Arrange a conference call via phone or online with three
men over Bar Mitzva who know you and recognize your voice. At least one of them
should be at least 18 years old. At least two of them should not be your relative or
relatives of each other. Tell the three men on the phone, “I hereby declare that all of
the utensilsthat are mine that have not been toveled yet, are now hefker (ownerless).”
The three men should acknowledge your statement by responding, “Okay.” If you
purchase additional such utensils afterwards, this procedure must be repeated.
Contact your Rav if you need further instructions or help in setting up such a
conference call.
This is a special leniency that one can rely upon only during the current situation of pikuach nefesh (risk
to life). When things return to normal, bez”H, one may not rely on the above method.
NOTE: Once the Kelim Mikva reopens you will be required to reacquire the utensils by picking them up
and then toveling them (with a bracha, if required). Therefore, it is important that you carefully mark or
keep track of which utensils were not toveled, so that you will know which items need tevila in the future.
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