Chasamos - Washed Cookware

Q. I sent a pot of chicken soup to my neighbor who is not kosher observant. She returned the empty pot the next day washed and cleaned. Must I be concerned that the pot was washed in her non-kosher dishwasher? Does the pot now need kashering?

A. Shulchan Aruch (YD 122:10) writes that if one left a pot with a non-kosher observant person, the pot can be used after 24 hours from the time the pot was returned. Kashering is not necessary because it is possible the pot was not used. However, if one lent a pot of food to someone who is not kosher observant, and it was returned clean, the pot must be kashered with hagalah if it is common for that person to wash utensils with hot water. The Pri To’ar explains that in the latter case we know the pot was washed, and it is reasonable to assume it was washed together with other unclean, non-kosher pots. If you know that it is the habit of your neighbor to wash her dishes piece by piece in the sink, the pot is fine (Gilyon Maharsha 122:10). Shulchan Aruch states that if it is clear that the pot was not washed, because there is still soup residue in the pot, the pot does not need to be kashered.

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