Written by: Rabbi Moshe Zywica, of the Orthodox Union

The Torah (Bamidbar 31:23) commands us that utensils made of one 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. Based on a rabbinic requirement, glass utensils must be toiveled as well.

• If one purchases used utensils, they must first be kashered before the tevilah.

• 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:

Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha’olam asher kiddeshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al tevilat keili (keilim)

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us regarding the immersion of a vessel (vessels).

• Most regular items can be immersed without ruining them.

• For certain electronic items, the water should be shaken out after immersion, and one can use a blow dryer to dry the inside, or it should be left to dry for three days.

• If the item has a digital panel and one is scared that it will get ruined, it should be gifted it to a non-Jew who will lift it up and take possession, and then one can borrow it back.

Find out in the chart below which utensils require tevilah, and which require tevilah with a bracha.

* Based on the OU. If your item is marked as needs evaluation or difference of opinion you should ask your own Rav.