DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 434 KB)
Do Plastic or Teflon Utensils Require Immersion in a Mikveh?

The Torah obligation of Tebilat Kelim – immersing new utensils – applies only to metal utensils, and the Sages extended this obligation to glass utensils. Utensils made from other materials, such as plastic, nylon, rubber and enamel, do not require immersion at all. This is the ruling of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in Halichot Olam (vol. 7).

The Halachic authorities debate the status of a Teflon pot with respect to Tebilat Kelim. On the one hand, since the pot is made primarily of metal, and the Teflon is just a thin layer of nylon covering the pot, it seemingly should require immersion like other metal utensils. On the other hand, people who acquire Teflon pots are specifically interested in the Teflon, which prevents the food from sticking to the surface of the utensil, and thus perhaps the Teflon should be regarded as the primary material, such that the pot should not require Tebila. As mentioned, the Aharonim (later authorities) debate this question. In light of the difference of opinion in this regard, Teflon utensils should be immersed in a Mikveh, but without a Beracha.

Summary: Utensils made from materials other than metal and glass do not require Tebila. Metal utensils lined with Teflon should be immersed, but without a Beracha.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
Is It Permissible to Borrow on Shabbat?
Instructing a Non-Jew During Twilight
May One Instruct a Non-Jew to Perform a Torah Violation of Shabbat in an Unusual Manner?
Is it Permissible on Shabbat To Talk About Performing a Melacha which is a Misva?
Is It Permissible to Announce Lost Mukseh Items on Shabbat
Listening to “Me’en Sheba” in Lieu of the Amida on Friday Night
Should Kiddush Be Recited in the Synagogue on Friday Night?
The Recitation of “Bameh Madlikin” on Friday Night
Tahanunim on Ereb Shabbat
The Recitation of “Va’yechulu” After the Amida on Friday Night
Turning Off the Electric Lights Before Lighting Shabbat Candles
The Reading of Shir Ha’shirim on Friday Night
The Recitation of Lecha Dodi on Friday Night
Washing Dishes on Shabbat
May One Ask a Non-Jew to Turn on an Air Conditioner on Shabbat?
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found