Immersion of Vessels - Tevilas Keilim
Mikvah Chana has a dedicated, fully stocked Keilim Mikvah on premises. The entrance is directly off of the parking lot on the north side of the building. The Keilim Mikvah is open to the public for use only during daytime hours and is free of charge. Donations to the upkeep of the mikvah are greatly appreciated!
Why do we immerse vessels?
The Jewish table is likened to an altar, its holiness compared to that of the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple). Therefore, before dishes and utensils are used in a kosher kitchen, they acquire an additional measure of holiness through ritual immersion in a mikvah.
What is a Mikvah?
A mikvah is a specially constructed ritual pool connected to a source of pure rainwater. Vessels may also be immersed in certain natural bodies of water such as the ocean. The procedure is known as toveling (derived from the Hebrew tovel, to immerse).
Preparation for immersion
One must remove any substance that would intervene between the water of the mikvah and the surface of the utensil, such as dirt, rust, stickers, glue from labels, and price markings. Steel wool and/or acetone (nail polish remover) may be helpful in removing all traces of surface markings.
How to Immerse
After saying the blessing below, immerse the item in the mikvah. Ensure that the item is fully submerged in the water.
When immersing several items at the same time, only one blessing is said.
The Blessing
ברוך אתה ה' אלוקינו מלך העולם אשר קידשנו במצוותיו וציוונו על טבילת כלים. BA-RUCH A-TAH ADO-NOI ELO-HAI-NU ME-LECH HA’O-LAM A-SHER KID-SHA-NU B’-MITZ-VO-TAV V’TZI-VA-NU AL TE-VI-LAT KE-LI (KAI-LIM).
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the immersion of a vessel (vessels).
There is a $5 suggested donation for use of the Keilim Mikvah
Any contributions toward the upkeep of the mikvah are greatly appreciated.
Have a part in the mitzvah!