What is the Mitzvah of Tevilas Keilim (Immersing Utensils in a Mikvah)?

The Torah (Bamidbar 31:23) commands us that utensils made of six metals which were acquired from a Gentile must be toiveled (immersed in a mikvah) before they may be used with food. The six metals are gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, and lead. Glass utensils must be toiveled as well, based on a rabbinic requirement. (Other materials will be discussed in a further Halacha Yomis.) If one purchased used utensils, they must first be kashered before the tevilah. However, if one borrows or rents utensils from a Gentile, there is no mitzvah of tevilas keilim. Before immersing, the utensils must be completely clean. All labels and even residual glue from the labels must be removed prior to tevilah. Prior to tevilah, a beracha is recited. If a mikvah is not available, Rav Belsky, zt”l ruled that one may immerse the utensils in a lake, provided that it has not rained in the last few days.

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt”l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.