If one acquires a new metal peeler used to peel vegetables or fruits, must he first immerse it in a Mikveh before using it?
This question relates to a discussion among the Halachic authorities concerning the knife used for Shehita (slaughtering animals), which comes in contact with meat, but only when the meat is still raw and inedible. The Shulhan Aruch rules that a Shehita knife does not require immersion, since it comes in contact with inedible meat that must undergo several additional stages before it becomes fit for consumption. Tebila is required for utensils that come in contact with edible food, such as the pots and other utensils used in preparing the food, and dishes and cutlery used while eating. The Shehita knife, however, is used at an earlier stage, and therefore, according to Shulhan Aruch, it does not require immersion. The Rama (Rabbi Moshe Isserles of Cracow, 1525-1572) disagrees with this distinction, and rules that a Shehita knife requires immersion, since it comes in contact with meat.
It emerges, then, that Ashkenazim and Sepharadim are divided on this issue. Ashkenazim, who follow the Rama’s rulings, must immerse a new Shehita knife before it is used, whereas Sepharadim, who follow the rulings of Maran, do not.
This issue will affect the status of metal peelers, as well. If a peeler is used only for potatoes, for example, or for another food which is not eaten raw, then it resembles a Shehita knife, and its status vis-à-vis Tebila will thus hinge on the aforementioned debate between Maran and the Rama. Ashkenazim would be required to immerse such a knife, whereas Sepharadim would not. If the peeler is used for other foods, as well, such as carrots, cucumbers, mangos and other foods which can be eaten raw, then its status is determined by its majority use. If it is used mostly for potatoes, and only occasionally for other foods, then it does not require Tebila, since its primary use is with an inedible substance. However, if it is used mainly for other foods, then it requires Tebila, even for Sepharadim. If one is unsure whether the peeler is used mostly with potatoes or with other foods, then it should be immersed without a Beracha.
Summary: According to Sephardic practice, if a metal peeler is used exclusively or mostly for potatoes or other foods that are inedible at the time they are peeled, it does not require immersion in a Mikveh. If it used mostly for foods that can be eaten in their state at the time of peeling, then it requires Tebila. If one is unsure as to the majority use of the peeler, it should be immersed without a Beracha. According to Ashkenazic custom, a metal peeler requires immersion under all circumstances.
