13 - compass magazine teves 5776

CoM asspNavigatiNg the world of ShlichuS for shluchim by shluchim

iSSue 13 | kiNuS haShluchoS 5776

inside

How shluchim Have

Brought Hakhel To Their Communities

Shluchim Share On Emunah

& Bitachon

KaShEring: Halochos & Practical Tips For Kashering A Kitchen

Plus How to Write A Thank You letter

Are You Getting What You Bargained For?

A Closer look At inexpensive stam

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And on the seventh day, connect.

THE SIDDUR ILLUMINATED BY CHASSIDUSSHABBOS EDITION

7x10 285pp $39.00

AVAILABLE AT KEHOT.COM AND IN A JUDAICA STORE NEAR YOU

Published by Kehot & Sichos In English

Live the words and meaning of Shabbos davening like never before, with the Shabbos edition of the celebrated Siddur Illuminated by Chassidus

Davening set in original Kehot Tzuras Hadaf layout

Inspiring insights from Chassidus on every page

Explanations from the writings of the Rebbeim

Updated English translation

For comments & suggestions email: [email protected]

NEW!SHABBOSEDITION

4

Board of Merkos LInyoneI ChInuCh

exeCutIve CoMMIttee

Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice-Chairman

Rabbi Chaim Block Rabbi Yisroel Deren Rabbi Moshe Feller Rabbi Yossi Groner Rabbi Zalman Aharon Grossbaum Rabbi Mendy Herson Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan Rabbi Zev Katz Rabbi Levi Klein Rabbi Sholom Ber Levitin Rabbi Avrohom Shemtov Rabbi Nechemia Vogel Rabbi Yitzchok Wolf

The Chabad House Compass Magazine was started for shluchim by shluchim as a platform to educate each other, give each other chizuk to be the ultimate Chossid, and go back to the core of why they went on shlichus.

MeRKoS SuiTe 302

Chairman Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky

executive director Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky

editor-in-Chief Mrs. elky Raitport

rabbinic advisory Board Dayan Levi Yitzchok Raskin Rabbi Yosef Y. Shusterman

editorial Board Rabbi Ben Zion Chanowitz Mrs. Shifra Aviva (Vivi) Deren Rabbi Moshe Feller Rabbi Mendel Kotlarsky Rabbi efraim Mintz Rabbi Hershey Novack Rabbi Falik Schtroks Rabbi Michoel Seligson Rabbi Motti Seligson Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz Rabbi Mendel Shmotkin

hebrew Copy-editor Rabbi Bentzi Sasson

Creative/art director Ms. Nechama Marcus

Graphic designers Rabbi Levi Groner Mrs. Mushky Karasik Ms. Nechama Marcus Mrs. Annita Soble

Illustrations Mrs. Annita Soble Mr. Tsuriel eichenstein (Lemonplace)

Photo Credits JeM/The Living Archive

Marketing Rabbi Duvi Feldman

ad sales Rabbi Levi Stein

Printing The Printhouse

special thanks to Rabbi Yehuda Altein Mrs. Fraidy Brook Rabbi Mendel Chaiton Rabbi Mendy Drookman Rabbi Beryl Frankel Rabbi Mendel Gourarie Rabbi Baruch Hertz Rabbi Shneor Nejar Ms. Malka Phillips Rabbi ezriel Raitport Rabbi Yitzchok Raskin Rabbi Nochum Schapiro Rabbi Michoel Seligson Rabbi elkanah Shmotkin Rabbi Levi Treitel Rabbi Yaakov Yakobowitz

Credits

Comments? Questions? suggestions? [email protected] with us: [email protected]

PleAse note this magazine is intended for shluchim and shluchos only. advice and opinions belong to the contributing shluchim and shluchos. We are not responsible for ad content.

CoM assp

Issue 13 | Kinus Hashluchos 5776

The Chabad House Compass Magazine is published four times a year by Merkos Suite 302, a division of Merkos Linyonei Chinuch.

770 eastern Parkway, Suite 302 Brooklyn, NY 11213 718-467-4400

www.compassmagazine.org

Compass Magazine is honored to feature unique and historic photos from Jewish Educational Media's Living Archive photo collection. The Living Archive is a project to preserve, and provide access to the video, audio, and photographic recordings of the Rebbe. These photos are copyright by JEM and are avilable at the livingarchive.org JEM / The Living Archive #000000

Look for these photo ID numbers!

thank you

The Story of Moshe

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Moshe sent his kids to your Hebrew School.

His teenagers enjoyed your CTeen program.

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You were there for him in his time of need.

the ChaBad house CoMPass MaGazIne TeVeS 5775 5

The Story of Moshe

"

Moshe sent his kids to your Hebrew School.

His teenagers enjoyed your CTeen program.

He attended your JLI classes.

Moshe supported your Chabad center generously for many years.

Moshe left a

$1 million gift in his will to the local university. Why?

Becauseyou neverasked him.

Chabad Tomorrow CampaignBranding Custom Marketing MaterialFundraising Material Custom Website

Ask... and you will be surprised!

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT RABBI SHUEY [email protected] | 714 809 5009

You were there for him in his time of need.

6

table of Contents

In EvEry IssuE8 Welcome

10 Letters to the Editor

12

16 :

Kashering:

26 Halochos and Practical Tips for Kashering a Kitchen

Feature 58 Stories & Reflections

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54 Shlichus Spotlight: Our Shlichus, Our Essence

44

26

shluchim share on Emunah and BitachonIn the past, there were times when the results from our work were so modest that I would just look at myself and ask, What am I doing here in the middle of nowhere?

72 Are you getting what you bargained for? A closer look at inexpensive stamOur baalei batim are relying upon us, not the vendors, and we need to come through.

Kashering: Halochos and Practical Tips for Kashering a KitchenThe mess is inevitable, and its a miracle if at least one dish or bowl isn't destroyed along the way.

80 A Recipe for Rising a Dough and Raising a CommunityWhile life can be incredibly hectic, and life on shlichus exponentially so, the incredible benefit of making challah by hand is that it requires our complete presence, if only for a few moments.

How shluchim Have Brought Hakhel to their CommunitiesAs shluchim, my wife and I have found Hakhel to be a very strong push for us to do more.

88 What to Include in a Thank You Letter


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8

W ith the Rebbes shluchos from across the globe assembling once again to partake in the annual Kinus Hashluchos, this years convergence takes on an added meaning and significance being a year of Hakhel. In addition, this years Kinus is crowned with an overall theme that calls our attention to a particu-lar dimension of life as a shlucha, the very essence of a shliach and shlucha as defined by the Rebbe.

Our shlichus is not a mission external to ourselves, a duty to be incorporated into our personal lives. Rather, as the Rebbe insisted (during a farbrengen on 7 Adar, 5736), a shliachs and shluchas identity merges com-pletely with their shlichus to the point that it becomes one with their essence. Our shlichus defines who we are.

This insight gives birth to a highly practical result. As the Rebbe declared:

The very fact that you are in a place of shlichus means

that every moment is a part of your shlichus.

This is a revolutionary idea and incredibly empower-ing. There are moments in our daily lives in which we may not be involved in shlichus-related activities in any apparent form. Nevertheless, since our shlichus defines our essence, our shlichus can never be interrupted. Each heartbeat is another throb of the Rebbes shlichus that we are privileged to convey. Each moment in our lives must indeed be viewed as a moment of shlichus.

This issue of Compass is designed to address this and many other important shlichus-related matters that explore and expand upon the Rebbes empowering mes-sage. It is our hope that this issue serve as an effective source of inspiration, allowing us to value and appreci-ate the significance and potential of each moment of our life as precious moments of shlichus, as we prepare our-selves and the world around us .

With best wishes for hatzlocha raba,

rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky

welcome

On the Cover: The Rebbe smiles as he hands Dr. Larry Resnick a small bottle of wine at Kos Shel Bracha.

22 Nissan, 5741/April 26, 1981Photographer: Yossi MelamedPhoto ID: 127206_CC01

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of Lake Mary, Florida. I am 56 years old and teach gifted students at two ele-

mentary schools in Central Florida. Four years ago, I found Judaism again after attending High Holiday

services with Rabbi Yanky Majesky of Chabad of North Or-lando. For many years I was unaffiliated and rarely went to shul. I now attend services every Shabbat, take part in holidays throughout the year, and have a whole new outlook on Judaism and life itself. Rabbi Majesky informed me about JNet because he knew I wanted to increase my knowledge and understanding of Torah and Jewish law. I now study Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with Rabbi Yosef Lester of Pittsburgh. Rab-bi Lester is terrific because he explains the laws and their rea-sons. JNet has impacted me in many ways and inspired me to continue to learn and study. I truly look forward to my conversations with Rabbi Lester each week. I have, through Chabad and JNet, be-come more religious than I have ever

been in my life! Thank you Chabad and

JNet!

718.467.4400

www.jnet.org

[email protected]

/jnet.org

Km)

Im David Bloomberg

Learning with David has been a wonderful experience. His enthusiasm for learning

is contagious and his questions encourage deep conversations. Meeting with David over the phone is one of the highlights of my week and I am grateful to JNet for

putting us together.

A JNet success story is A shliAchs success story.

I always keep JNet on the forefront of my mind when talking to people who are looking to grow in their Yiddishkeit. As a limited human being with only 24 hours in the day, it is impossible for me to learn privately with every Yid who wants to learn Torah. JNet is an amazing and free tool that allows me to have more manpower to work with my commu-

nity in a most personal way. - Rabbi Yanky Majesky, Lake Mary, FL

anyplace anytopic anytime

meeT david

hIs chAvrusA, Rabbi Yosef lesteR

hIs shlIAch,rabbi yanky majesky

your feedbackContACt us At [email protected]

letters to the editor

In appreciation (Vol. 12)Compass Magazine is a

beautiful publication that gives us lots of food for thought and inspiration.

Much hatzlocha,Mrs. Basie Gurkow London, Ontario

Just a quick thank you for all the wonderful articles in the recent issue of the magazine. The mechitza article was very informative and helpful.

Much hatzlocha!Rabbi Motti Wilhelm Portland, OR

This issue was full of so many helpful articles! I liked that there were lots of concrete, practical

Hakhel ideas, the chinuch article was great, and the article on Reb Binyomin Klein AH was a special gift. I love how even the ads in the magazine are all geared to us and are of practical use to us.Mrs. Pearl Krasnjansky, Honolulu, Hawaii

On Prayers and Partitions (Vol. 12)

Thank you for publishing the series on mechitza in the last two issues of Compass. Ill admit that it was my grown children who brought the article to my attention while pointing out that the mechitza in our Chabad House needed some tweaking in order to fit the standards described in the magazine. Living where we do, its easy to unwittingly fall back in the name of accommodating people and attracting them to our shul and peulos. Inspired by my children and the Compass article, we have made some changes. So far, the changes have gone over well, boruch

Hashem. The Compass article, along with inspiration generated by the magazine as a whole, have helped me build up my confidence and I feel ready to answer to anyone who may confront me about the recent changes. Its refreshing to see that a topic such as mechitza can be addressed head-on, albeit in a sensitive way, reminding us who we are and what we need to be.

Thanks again,M.M.

How to Craft an effective Fundraising Letter (Vol. 12)

Thank you for the most recent issue of Compass Magazine, which was full of terrific articles. The article on how to craft an effective fundraising letter was outstanding and very helpful. I just wanted to point out that though a postscript was included in the sample letter, the significant role it plays was not mentioned in the article itself. Studies have shown that most people read the postscript of any given

lettereven if they dont fully read the letter itself. The postscript presented in the sample letter was a great model to followa tug at the heartstrings that calls to specific action.

Another point that should be noted is that the article addressed how to craft an effective fundraising letter for mass mailing. I am sure you will agree that a personal solicitation letter needs to be written quite differently. I would really appreciate seeing an article on that subject in a future issue of the magazine.

Thank you again for this wonderful publication.Y.S.

Its refreshing to see that a topic

such as mechitza can be addressed

head-on, albeit in a sensitive way,

reminding us who we are and what

we need to be.

share your thoughts!

[email protected]


of Lake Mary, Florida. I am 56 years old and teach gifted students at two ele-

mentary schools in Central Florida. Four years ago, I found Judaism again after attending High Holiday

services with Rabbi Yanky Majesky of Chabad of North Or-lando. For many years I was unaffiliated and rarely went to shul. I now attend services every Shabbat, take part in holidays throughout the year, and have a whole new outlook on Judaism and life itself. Rabbi Majesky informed me about JNet because he knew I wanted to increase my knowledge and understanding of Torah and Jewish law. I now study Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with Rabbi Yosef Lester of Pittsburgh. Rab-bi Lester is terrific because he explains the laws and their rea-sons. JNet has impacted me in many ways and inspired me to continue to learn and study. I truly look forward to my conversations with Rabbi Lester each week. I have, through Chabad and JNet, be-come more religious than I have ever

been in my life! Thank you Chabad and

JNet!

718.467.4400

www.jnet.org

[email protected]

/jnet.org

Km)

Im David Bloomberg

Learning with David has been a wonderful experience. His enthusiasm for learning

is contagious and his questions encourage deep conversations. Meeting with David over the phone is one of the highlights of my week and I am grateful to JNet for

putting us together.

A JNet success story is A shliAchs success story.

I always keep JNet on the forefront of my mind when talking to people who are looking to grow in their Yiddishkeit. As a limited human being with only 24 hours in the day, it is impossible for me to learn privately with every Yid who wants to learn Torah. JNet is an amazing and free tool that allows me to have more manpower to work with my commu-

nity in a most personal way. - Rabbi Yanky Majesky, Lake Mary, FL

anyplace anytopic anytime

meeT david

hIs chAvrusA, Rabbi Yosef lesteR

hIs shlIAch,rabbi yanky majesky

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Chazal tell us, hevei ratz lidvar mitzvahone should run to perform a mitzvah. By many, this directive is one of numerous aspects of Torah and mitzvos. However, there is a select group of peoplenamely, the shluchimby whom this is a way of life that characterizes every part of their avodah.

Every limb of the body is connected with specific mitzvos; when one runs to perform a mitzvah, he is using his feet. By a shliach, every aspect of his day is a result of his journey to his makom hashlichus to whereby the Rebbe. This is a journey he made with his feet, transporting himself and his family to a new place. (It makes no difference if he traveled by airplane, train, horse, or donkey in any event, traveling is associated with ones feet.) It follows that at every moment of the day, even when he sleeps, he is fulfilling the dictum hevei ratz lidvar mitzvah.

Furthermore, the expression used by Chazal is hevei ratzrun. A person runs when he is excited and happy to reach his destination. Similarly, the shluchim fulfill their shlichus

with a geshmak, despite the fact that their material situation could be much better. (With Hashems help, it will be much better, and in addition to gold and silver as they refer to ahavah and yirah, they will have gold and silver in the literal sense as well.)

This refers to the shluchim in the Old City of Yerushalayim, Yerushalayim in general, Tzfas, Nachalas Har Chabad, Kfar Chabad, Australia, all the states of the United States, France, England, and all other locations. We cannot mention all of the places because there are too many of them to list, and with Hashems help, their numbers will increase even more!

It would be appropriate for all shluchim who are here now to say lchaim. Lchaim should certainly be said on behalf of those shluchim who are presently in their makom hashlichusthrough their fathers, who agreed, convinced, and helped their sons go on shlichus, or their teachers.

May this hasten the shlichus of Eliyahu Hanavi to herald the coming of Moshiach, speedily in our days! C

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Compiled by Rabbi Mendel ChaitonTranslated by Rabbi Yehuda Altein

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In order to bring the word of Hashem which is halocha to a faraway place, one must set out and journey to that place to strengthen the study of Torah and the fulfillment of mitzvos, and the fulfillment of mitzvos behiddur, until this becomes the entire metzius of the people of that area.[This is a special advantage present when a person travels to a faraway place for such a purpose.]

When a person is at home, [each individual action of his is viewed separately.] When he is preparing a mitzvah, he is doing something that involves a mitzvah; but when he goes to sleep, he is sleeping, and he needs to have a specific kavanah that he is sleeping leshem shamayim, so that his body will be healthy.However, when a person travels to a faraway place to spread Yiddishkeit, the study of Torah, and the fulfillment of mitzvos, every moment during which he is away from home for this purpose is part of his shlichus to spread Torah and Yiddishkeit.

7 Adar Sheni, 5736 (Sichos Kodesh 5736, Vol. 1, p. 570)

EvEnt: Distribution, KuntrEisimLocation: 770 - LowEr LEvEL DatE: 7 sivan, 5741 / JunE 9, 1981PhotograPhEr: morDEchai baronPhoto iD:147986

the ChaBad house CoMPass MaGazIne KiNuS HASHLuCHoS 5776 19

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The only way to grasp the Rebbes essence is by going out on his shlichus . . . the Rebbes essence accompanies the shluchim. . . . The avodah must therefore be done joyfully, energetically, and with all ones might. [The shliach] will then surely receive his reward in this world, in his personal material needs and those of his family.

Shabbos Parshas Vayeitzei, 5719 (Toras Menachem, Vol. 24, pp. 233-234)

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A person may presume that since he is relying on the wisdom of the leader and must fulfill his instructions exactly, this submission of his will is sufficient.

(This is like the person who claimed that he should be given instructions telling him exactly what to do, from alef to tov, and he will fulfill everything because he has submitted his will [to the Rebbe]. But to work hard and think on his ownthat he doesnt want to do.)

So we tell him that [this is not correct, for] along with the submission of ones will, a person must possess a complete persona of his own, consisting of all the levels of chabad, chagas, and nehi (intellect, feelings, and action). He must then harness all these parts of his character to fulfilling the will of the meshaleiach, and, in the words of the Frierdiker Rebbe, to heed exactly what the leader says.

(Likutei Sichos, Vol. 20, p. 175)


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Rashi explains that the word behaaloscha used when describing the lighting of the menorah teaches us that the kohen would stand on a step when performing hatavas haneiros (the preparation of the cups of the menorah for lighting).

The way this applies to a persons avodah is as follows: When a person is involved in kindling the candle (neshamah) within Bnei Yisroel, and certainly if he is kindling the candles of an entire congregation, or of the menorah of Klal Yisrael, he stands on a step, meaning that his entire metzius becomes elevated, from his head to his heel.

Not only that, but this elevation occurs even before he begins the act of kindling, just as the kohen would ascend the step in order to light the menorah.

Whats more, it takes place even before the hatava of the candles. As soon as he resolves to prepare for the lighting of the menorah, he already becomes elevated.

Shabbos Parshas Behaaloscha, 5748 (Sefer Hasichos 5748, Vol. 2, pp. 486-487)

EvEnt: Distribution, KuntrEisimLocation: 770 - LowEr LEvEL DatE:1 KisLEv, 5748 / novEmbEr 22, 1987PhotograPhEr: morDEchai baronPhoto iD:147988

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You are a shliach of Hashem to spread Yiddishkeit, Torah, and mitzvos among His childrenBnei Yisroel. What can be higher, holier, and a greater zchus than this?! You should fulfill the shlichus and be successful.

(Igros Kodesh, Vol. 27, p. 374)

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We ourselves are unimportant. Our avodah, our sacred Yiddishe shlichus, is what is important. If only we are concerned with continuing and accomplishing, our goal will not remain unattained.

Yechidus, 5711 (Kfar Chabad, No. 493, p. 24) C

the ChaBad house CoMPass MaGazIne KiNuS HASHLuCHoS 5776 23 facebook.com/tphny

2020Marketing&DesignAvrohom Weg

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halochos & Practical tips for kashering a kitchen

28 28

H A L A C H A : K A S H E R I N G

We will begin by going through a number of introductory concepts.

NosaiN taam lifgamIf a vessel has not been

used for (at least) twenty-four hours, whatever issur is absorbed in the utensil becomes fouled (pogum) and is no longer considered edible, consequently losing its status of issur. This means that, technically, any clean vessel that has not been used for twenty-four hours becomes kosher. However, Chazal decreed that lechatchila all vessels should be treated as if they are presently within twenty-four hours of use.

Within twenty-four hours, a vessel is called ben yomo; after twenty-four hours it is called aino ben yomo.

Bedieved, any foodstuff cooked inadvertently in an aino ben yomo vessel remains kosher. However, lechatchila such vessels must be kashered.

When kashering with hag'olo (see below), the utensil being kashered should not have been used for twenty-four hours beforehand. The reason for this is because if it was used within this time, the hot kashering water will absorb the issur and then make the utensil ossur again. The only way to kasher with hag'olo is to wait twenty-four hours beforehand, so that the kashering water does not become ossur.

However, when kashering with libun (see below), a twenty-four-hour waiting

period is not required, as the issur is consumed by the fire.

There are several methods by which something can be kashered. We will examine what each method entails:

Hag'oloBringing a pot of water to a Boil and dipping utensils into it.

Similarly, a pot itself can be kashered with hag'olo by filling it with water to the top and bringing the water to a boil, ensuring that it spills over the entire rim.

When using hag'olo or any kashering method in which water is used (i.e., irui kli rishon and irui kli rishon im even meluban), the utensil must be clean prior to kashering, without any rust or residue, and it must be left for twenty-four hours before being kashered (as stated above).

After kashering, the utensil should be rinsed in cold water. However, if this was not done, the kashering is still effective. After the kashering is complete, the minhag is to re-kasher the pot that was used for kashering. This can be done by simply adding more water to the water already in the pot, thus raising its original level, and then bringing the water to a boil.

robably one of the

most invasive things

we do when we are

mekarev a family

to Yiddishkeit is to

kasher their home. We

enter the kitchen, take

apart the contents of

the cupboards, wave

about a blowtorch, and pour boiling water all over the room.

The mess is inevitable, and its a miracle if at least one dish or

bowl isn't destroyed along the way.

Despite these incongruities, this is what we must do to

bring our baalei batim across the line from being observers

to observant. It therefore behooves us to acquire a thorough

knowledge of the halochos associated with kashering, not just

from issur to heter but from chometz to Pesach as well. In this

article we will attempt to give a brief yet thorough overview of

these halochos and their applications in todays kitchens.

This article has been written bearing in mind the ikar

hadin, in order to assist families accepting the daunting

challenge of keeping kosher. Accordingly, in some places

we have suggested leniencies and have described them

as such. However, as Chassidim and shluchim, we are

generally obliged not to look for leniencies in our homes

and Botei Chabad but to take a stricter approach. This is

especially our custom when it comes to Pesach. As such,

please consult a Chassidishe rov competent in this area as

to when and if any leniency mentioned here can be applied

in your specific situation.

KasHERiNg iNtRoDUCtioN


iRUi Kli RisHoNpouring water directly from a Boiling kettle onto the surface Being kashered in one unBroken stream.

iRUi Kli RisHoN im EvEN mElUbaN

Heating up half a brick, stones, or metal on the stovetop, and then pouring water directly from a kettle onto both the surface being kashered and the heated materials as they are being passed across that surface. The stones or metal can be moved around using a pair of tongs or pliers.

libUN Kal, yaD solEDEsfire is used to heat metal so that the other side of the metal is hotter than yad soledes.

In this context, this means a temperature hotter than 176F/80C. An easy way to test this is to splash a tiny drop of water on the surface; if it is hot enough, the droplet will boil.

This type of libun can be considered the same as hag'olo. It requires a clean utensil but does not require a waiting period of twenty-four hours before kashering. (This is a unique view of the Alter Rebbe, as understood particularly by the Rebbe Rashab in his guidelines for hag'olo.1)

1 See the new print of the Alter Rebbes Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, 451:10, fn. 61.

libUN Kal, KasH NisRaf

Fire is used to heat metal so that the other side can scorch kash (straw, or its equivalentpaper). This temperature is 459F/232C.2 This form of libun kal has the additional advantage of being able to kasher surfaces that may be rusted, or joints that may have residue beneath them.

2 See ibid., 451:16, fn. 117.

libUN gomURFire is used to heat

an earthenware material (cheres) until it gives off sparks (as granules of the earthenware material combust), or to heat metal until it glows red.3 The accepted temperature for libun gomur is about 900F/482C.

There are two further concepts that must be mentioned:

3 Ibid., 451:7.

KEbolo KaCH polto This means that a substance

ejects issur in the same way it absorbs it. If a utensil was used to boil food, the way to kasher it is through boiling, i.e., hag'olo. If a utensil was used for dry roasting or broiling, the way to kasher it is through dry roasting or broiling, i.e., a direct firelibun. If it was used by having hot liquid poured onto it (irui kli rishon), it can be kashered with irui kli rishon.

tHE matERial of tHE UtENsil

It is important to be aware of the material from which a utensil is made. Certain materials can be kashered with hag'olo, others require libun kal, and some, regardless of how they are used, will always require libun gomur.

With all the above in mind, we can now proceed to kasher our kitchen.

The following tables and notes detail the proper way to kasher a wide variety of kitchen utensils and components. Of course, properly preparing the person or family whose kitchen is being kashered is an important prerequisite that must be done with great care and sensitivity. Relevant tips can be found in the sidebars accompanying this article. As with all halachic matters, it is always important to consult with a competent rov who is knowledgeable in the specific subject being addressed.

KasHERiNg iNtRoDUCtioN

30 30


Hag'olo Irui kli rishon

Irui kli rishon

im even meluban

Libun kal, yad soledes

Libun kal, kash

nisraf

Libun gomur

Cannot be

kashered

Metal (such as stainless steel, cast iron, or

aluminum) 4 or 5

Glass 6

Enamel 7 or 8

Earthenware 9

With PTFE non-stick coating,

such as Teflon10

With (newer) ceramic non-stick coating

11

Handles or 12

Lids 13 or 14

Rivets and joints or 15

4 As stated above, this would entail filling the pot to the rim with water and bringing it to a boil, ensuring that water spills over the entire rim.After the boiling water is emptied, the utensil should be rinsed in cold water to prevent the non-kosher kashering water from being re-absorbed.

5 If less than twenty-four hours have passed, libun kal can be used for metal pots and pans.

6 Libun kal should not be used for glass.7 Poskim disagree how enamelware can

be kashered. In my view, kashering with libun kal, kash nisraf is a good compromise (see Hagolas Keilim, p. 293).

8 See previous note.9 An earthenware pot, such as a crockpot,

can only be kashered with libun gomur. However, since libun gomur could easily destroy the pot, Chazal forbade

kashering earthenware in that manner, because they were concerned that a person would not kasher it properly due to fear of breaking it. The only solution for a crockpot is what is called returning it to the kiln. It is likely that there is a pottery kiln in your city, or even in one of the schools. The crockpot can be placed in the kiln and be made to go through a full cycle. Since the pot was placed in a kiln, Chazal were not concerned that a proper job would not be done (ibid., 451:9).

10 See note 17.11 See note 17.12 An alternative method to irui kli rishon

is to simply turn the pot upside down over the fire until libun kal, yad soledes is achieved. Usually the handles will reach libun kal, yad soledes as well. If they dont, irui kli rishon is still needed on the handles.

13 The lid of a pot must be kashered as well. Care must be taken to unscrew any handle that protrudes into the underside of the lid. If it cannot be unscrewed, libun kal, kash nisraf must be performed on the inside of the lid. Similarly, care must be taken to thoroughly clean the small steam vents that collect residue, or else to perform libun kal, kash nisraf on them.

14 See previous note.15 If the pot has rivets or joints on the

inside, the only way to properly clean the rivets is to use libun kal, kash nisraf, which ensures that any residue in the joint is consumed. Joints on the outside of the pot are not considered halachically a problem.

16 How do you know when libun gomur is achieved? This is sometimes difficult to ascertain.A stainless steel baking tray must turn

Used for cooking

pots aND paNs



Irui kli rishon

im even meluban


Libun kal, kash

nisraf

Libun gomur

Cannot be kashered

Without coating 16

With PTFE non-stick coating, such as

Teflon(affected by heat)17

With (newer) ceramic non-stick coating (not affected

by heat)18

Aluminum baking trays 19

Corelle, Corningware, glass and ceramic baking dishes

20

Silicon bakeware Deep fryer 21

Frying pans without coating 22

Frying pans with PTFE non-stick coating, such as Teflon

23

Frying pans with (newer) ceramic non-stick coating

24

BAking dishes

red lightly. At the point when this takes place, the stainless steel actually discolors, so the family should be warned that this will take place. The simplest way to achieve this is by turning the tray upside down over the stovetop over two full flames (or more if necessary). The tray will usually change color within a few minutes. A cast iron baking tray will usually not change color. From a practical perspective, turning a cast iron baking tray upside down over the fire for fifteen minutes will kasher the tray.A handy tool to assist in this process is a temperature gauge used for measuring the temperature of metal. These can be purchased at most metallurgical stores. As stated above, the accepted temperature for libun gomur is about 900 F/482 C.

17 If a pan used for baking or frying is coated with Teflon, it cannot be kashered, because

the fear that the fire will ruin the Teflon may prevent a person from doing a proper job. However, some of the newer non-stick surfaces are not affected by heat, and these may be kashered.

18 See previous note.19 One cannot do libun gomur on aluminum

baking trays. The trays melt; not a good look when kashering someones kitchen. Large globules of molten aluminum falling everywhere do not engender confidence in the family whose home is being kashered. However, aluminum clad stainless steel baking or frying pans can be kashered and will not melt.

20 A ceramic dish, however, can be re-kilned(see above, note 9).21 See following note.

There is a halachic question whether frying pans have the din of a cooking utensil or a baking dish. Usually one fries with oil, and

that is considered cooking. A deep fryer, for example, needs only hag'olo (after a very thorough cleaning). However, sometimes the oil in a frying pan dries out, and the remainder of the frying is the equivalent of baking or roasting. As such, the halacha is that a frying pan requires libun gomur.

22 Frying pans usually have a buildup of carbonized material on the outside and even on the inside. Provided a proper libun gomur is performed, this does not pose a problem. Be aware, however, that both with a frying pan and with some other baking dishes, this burnt-on fat has not quite completely carbonized and will burst into flames during the kashering process. This will only last a few moments as it, too, is carbonized.23 See note 17.24 See note 17.

32 32



Irui kli rishon

im even meluban


Libun kal, kash

nisraf

Libun gomur

Cannot be

kashered

Corelle Plastic and Bakelite

Metal Wood Glass 25

China, porcelain, and ceramic

26

Silicon Serving trays (metal,

wood, and plastic)

Single-piece metal cutlery

Knives, ladles, and carving forks with handles into which the blade or ladle is

inserted

Joint 27

Rest of utensil

Strainers with criss-crossing wire

28

Chip holders (used in deep fryers) with criss-crossing wire

29

Colander 30

Tongs and forks used on barbecues and

grills 31

25 Care must be taken when kashering glass that it should not shatter in the hot water. This can be achieved by warming the utensils under the hot water faucet before dipping them into the boiling water. It is the sudden change in temperature that shatters the glass, and prewarming prevents this from happening. It is important to note that while minhag ashkenaz is to refrain from kashering glass for Pesach, the consensus of poskim is that glass can be kashered

from issur. Corelle is a form of glass. Drinking glassware that has never been washed with water hotter than yad soledes can be kashered by soaking them in water for twenty-four hours three times, with the water being changed after each twenty-four hour period. If there is a lot of such glassware, this can be facilitated by using the bathtub, making sure to leave a path to the drain.

26 Dishes made of china, porcelain, and ceramic require libun gomur. As explained in note 9, Chazal ruled out this

method of kashering such materials, and the halachically acceptable solution is to kasher them via re-kilning.It is important to note that there is a large chance that some of the china might crack during re-kilning. Therefore, when dealing with expensive china, Reb Moshe Feinstein made an allowance for people beginning to keep kosher. The china can be kashered by first leaving them unused for twelve months, followed by kashering each utensil in boiling water three times.

DisHEs



Irui kli rishon im even

meluban


Libun kal, kash

nisraf

Libun gomur

Cannot be

kashered

Metal and enamel 32 or33

Glass 34

Ceramic 35 or36

32 There are poskim who argue that a stovetop need only be cleaned and it can immediately be used for kosher cooking. The rationale for this is based on the halachic principle that issur can only be transferred via moisture. A dry pot on a dry stovetop, by contrast, does not allow for any transfer of issur. According to the Mechaber, we follow the majority of use when it comes to kashering. Since almost all of the time there is no transfer of issur to the stovetop, the occasional spill is deemed halachically insignificant. Even if a subsequent spill of kosher food were to take place, the heat of the stove may have already kashered it from the previous spill, and furthermore, more than twenty-four hours has anyways elapsed since the previous non-kosher spill. Notwithstanding all the above, the common practice is to kasher stovetops. However, since the only thing we are concerned about is the liquid that has

spilled over onto the stovetop, all that is required (according to most poskim) is irui kli rishon, pouring water from a kettle onto the surface.Of course, libun kal, yad soledes would also suffice. (Note that this is not the case for Pesachsee sidebar.) The simplest way to achieve this is by placing a blech over the entire stovetop and turning on the flames. Within five to ten minutes, the required heat is achieved. This works for metal and enamel stovetops. However, glass stovetops may crack, so they are best kashered by pouring boiling water on them. The heat should first be turned on high for five minutes. It is also important to remember that as explained above, once twenty-four hours has elapsed since the non-kosher usage, no subsequent kosher usage will be affected. There is a rabbinic requirement to kasher the stovetop

anyway, which we do to the best of our ability. Even if we inadvertently err, there is no consequence as far as the subsequent food cooked on it is concerned. This halachic reality will sometimes affect the way we pasken. (Here as well, this is not the case for Pesach.)

33 See previous note.34 See note 32.35 Ceramic stovetops are more

problematic, as ceramic normally requires libun gomur. However, since kashering a stovetop is unnecessary according to some poskim (as explained in note 32), one can rely on libun kal, yad soledes. Kashering though libun kal, kash nisraf would be preferable. Since the stovetop is designed to withstand such heat, the normal rule preventing the use of libun for ceramic does not apply.

36 See previous note.

stove toPs inclUding grates

This is a combination of two leniencies, one argued by the Chacham Tzvi who posited that the law of aging for twelve monthswhich permits vessels in a wineryapplies to other issurim as well, and a second based on the opinion of Baal Haitur who holds that china can be kashered by doing hagolo three times. The general practice is to allow this leniency for people beginning to keep

kosher for the first time.27 It should be noted that many modern

utensils have a plastic handle that is perfectly fused to the blade. Food simply cannot get into the joint. Such a joint does not require libun.

28 The reason for this is because it is assumed that residue gets stuck between the wires (see above that libun kal, kash nisraf has the ability to remove

residue).29 The fryer itself, if clean, requires only hag'olo (see note 22).30 Since the colander has holes (as

opposed to criss-crossing wire), there is no concern for stuck residue, and hag'olo is sufficient.

31 The reason for this is because they are used in direct contact with meat that is in direct contact with the flame.

34 34



Irui kli rishon

im even meluban


Libun kal, kash

nisraf

Libun gomur

Cannot be

kashered

Top

and

sides

If flame or electric coil

is visible from

inside the oven

37

If flame or electric coil is not

visible from

inside the oven

38

Floor 39 or40

Racks

If food was not placed directly

upon them41 or 42

If food was placed directly

upon them43

Stone of a pizza oven with a stone

or brick floor 44

37 The classic oven in the times of Chazal was made of earthenware. As such, the only way it could be kashered was with libun gomur. Similarly, a spit was usually used for roasting. The meat would be in direct contact with the spit (without the medium of water), and as such, the spit required libun gomur (just like baking dishessee above). However, our ovens are very different. Most household ovens become filled with steam and vapors which facilitate the transfer of issur. This is a critically important feature that is often overlooked, which then creates a misunderstanding as to how our ovens can be kashered. An oven does not become ossur through direct contact of meat being roasted or broiled in it like the spit of old. It is only the steamvaporized liquidthat transfers the issur. Therefore, it theoretically only requires hag'olo. Furthermore, our ovens are formed out of either metal or enamel, not earthenware. Metal can certainly be kashered, and as stated above (note 7), it is acceptable to treat enamelware as metal and perform libun kal, kash nisraf. Therefore, all that is required to kasher a household oven is

libun kal, kash nisraf. This is achieved by turning on the oven to the highest setting for one hour.

38 Most ovens in the United States are designed so that the flame or electric coil is not visible from inside the oven. The normative view is that libun kal only works when the fire or heat source is located inside the oven, and it thus follows that turning on the oven to kasher it would not work if the flame is not visible. In such a case, the oven should be turned on to the highest setting for an hour, and then, at the end of the hour, all the surfaces should be gone over lightly with a blowtorch. It should be noted that sometimes it is possible to remove the back plate or bottom plate and expose the flame or coil, and sometimes the flame or coil is visible behind a grille. According to my view, in cases of necessity one can rely on the opinions that libun kal, kash nisraf is sufficient for our ovens even if the flame is not visible. Some convection ovens are designed with a fan and heating coil located behind the backplate of the oven. If possible, this backplate should be removed and the area behind it along with the fan should

be cleaned. If this is not possible, one can rely that the libun kal, kash nisraf will sufficiently consume that residue. All the opinions of which I am aware consider a self-cleaning oven cycle as proper kashering. Of course, the racks, which generally cannot withstand the self-cleaning cycle, require separate kashering.

39 It is quite common for food to spill onto the floor of the oven and onto the racks, even if one only uses oven pans. Therefore, some opinions hold that the racks and the floor of the oven require libun gomur. In my view, when necessary one can rely on the more lenient view even for the racks (as long as food was not placed directly upon them).

40 See previous note.41 See note 39.42 See note 39.43 Some ovens are designed in such a way

that food is placed directly upon the racks. These racks share the din of a spit and require libun gomur.

44 The stone of a pizza oven with a stone or brick floor require libun gomur. This can be achieved by turning the stone (which is usually removable) upside down over the fire for an hour.

ovENs sinksconventional and convection


45 It is important to make sure that the sink is clean, especially at the joint of the drain. Pouring bleach around and into the drain and leaving it there for fifteen minutes will dissolve any long-term buildup of residue.

46 Sinks primarily become ossur through irui kli rishon. Therefore, the method of kashering that must be performed is the equivalentpouring boiling water over the entire surface. However, since solid hot foods are sometimes placed into the sink, it is better to kasher it using irui kli

rishon im even melubon. This should be done after waiting twenty-four hours (as stated above). Libun kal, yad soledes performed with a blowtorch is simpler and just as effective halachically.

47 See previous note.48 See note 46.49 Primarily in the United States and

Canada (but not so much in Australia and Europe) there is a further problem associated with the kashering of sinksthe fact that sinks are commonly made of porcelain. Porcelain is a kli cheres

and technically cannot be kashered. The common practice is to at least kasher it three times (following the opinion of Baal Haitursee note 26), and to use a washing-up bowl in the sink. If your balabos will be unable to cope with using a washing-up bowl and this might impact his or her willingness to kasher the sink, there are grounds to allow it to be used as is after it is kashered three times.


Irui kli rishon

im even meluban


Libun kal, kash nisraf

Libun gomur

Cannot be kashered

Metal 46 or 47 or 48

Porcelain 49

Faucets and handles or


Irui kli rishon

im even meluban


Libun kal, kash

nisraf

Libun gomur

Cannot be

kashered

All materials except for porcelain

If hot food was not placed directly upon it

50

If hot food was placed directly upon it

51

Porcelain 52

50 If hot food was placed directly upon the countertop, it requires irui kli rishon im even melubon. However, in most kitchens this does not take place, and at most hot

liquids spill onto the countertop. Irui kli rishon is therefore sufficient.51 See previous note.52 See above note 49. The same principles

outlined there apply to a porcelain-tiled countertop, but there is more room for the leniency mentioned there to suffice with kashering three times.

sinks

Counter toPs

36 36


DisHwasHERsdishwashers with metal

walls and plastic racks can Be

kashered as follows:

1. First, the dishwasher should be cleaned thoroughly, taking special care to clean the drain area and the crevices behind the seals. It should then be run through a full cycle at the hottest setting with detergent, leaving the racks in the dishwasher.

2. Next, the dishwasher should be left unused for twenty-four hours.

3. Finally, the dishwasher with the racks should be put through the hottest cycle again, this time without detergent.

4. The dishwasher is kosher at this point. However, if possible the following should be done as well. When putting the dishwasher through the hottest cycle for a second time (as stated in Step 3), at the hottest point in the cycle, a half brick or piece of metal that has been heated up on the stovetop should be placed inside the dishwasher on a piece of aluminium foil (to avoid melting the rack). This lifts the kashering temperature by another couple of degrees.

gEoRgE foREmaNs, wafflE maKERs, toastERs

George Foremans, waffle makers, and toasters all require libun gomur. Since doing this would damage them, they cannot be kashered. However, one has to establish exactly what type of non-kosher food was used in them. Sometimes, even people who dont keep a kosher home use only kosher meat. Gathering the relevant information may allow a Rov competent in this area to advise you. Similarly, it is possible that the bread used by the family was kosher, so it is worthwhile to ask them this question before throwing out the toaster.

CoffEE maKERs

Traditional coffee makers with drip units and glass jugs have at most been washed in the sink or a dishwasher. All that is necessary to kasher them is to do hag'olo on these parts. The jugs also require tevila.

A Keurig or Nespresso does not need to be kashered, unless it was used for non-kosher soups. Any parts that are removable and were washed in the sink or a dishwasher should be kashered with hag'olo, and, if made of glass or metal, require tevila. Of course, if the family will be observing cholov yisroel, the container used for heating and frothing the milk

must be kashered as well. It is important to make the

following observation. While there are those who keep cholov yisroel but are not concerned with non-cholov-yisroel keilimand on that basis they have no concerns with buying pareve or soy coffee at Starbucks or similar storesthe universal Chabad practice, as well as the practice throughout the chassidishe world, is to kasher keilim from cholov akum exactly as required by Shuchan Aruch without any leniencies. Therefore, we are obliged to be particularly vigilant when buying coffee in any location to ensure that issues of non-cholov-yisroel keilim are taken care of.

There is a famous responsum of the Noda BYehuda1 where he was asked about drinking coffee in coffee houses. He replied that there are many problems associated with drinking in such establishments (and from my experience, the problems have not changed!) and he therefore advises that one should not rely on leniencies or rulings of bedieved, as one can make kosher coffee at home (or at the office). He concludes that the only time it is valid to look for a leniency is when traveling and

1 Mahadura Kama, Yoreh Deiah, 36.

there is no other alternative, as that is a case of bedieved. In today's context, this would be when one is traveling on the road or in a plane. A rov should be consulted for further advice on this matter.

ElECtRiC gRills witH REmovablE platEs, tRays, oR RaCKs

The plates, trays, or racks require libun gomur. In most cases this will ruin the material and they therefore cannot be kashered. In the case of a new grill or a grill that can be kashered, the parts that come in contact with food require tevila as well.

toastER ovENs, CoNvECtioN toastER ovENs

These ovens have the same din as a regular oven. The trays and racks require libun gomur if food is placed on them directly. This will usually ruin them, so new parts must be acquired. All

pRoblEmatiC itEms


KasHERiNg for Pesach

In the main article we pretty much covered all the details associated with the kashering of a kitchen. Another topic is the kashering of a kitchen for Pesach. The information in the main article applies to Pesach as well, except for the following exceptions (some of which are maiikar hadin, others of which are chumros):1. The grates of a stovetop require libun gomur (this is a chumra of the Alter

Rebbe4).

2. Frying pans only require libun kal, yad soledes, or hag'olo.3. Porcelain sinks, after being kashered three times, must have inserts.4. Some are machmir not to kasher an enamel oven except with libun gomur. I

would recommend this chumra at least for the shluchim themselves.

5. I heard from my father-in-law Rabbi Zelig Sharfstein that Reb Zalmen Shimon allowed kashering of plastic for Pesach (in contrast to Reb Moshe

Feinstein who did not allow it).

6. We do not kasher Formica countertops; they should be covered. Marble and granite countertops can be kashered with hag'olo.

7. There is a machlokes between modern-day poskim whether or not caesarstone can be kashered for Pesach. Caesarstone is ground stone held

together with resin. Those who are maikil say it is nothing more than a plastic

which can be kashered. The machmirim say that since it contains ground

stone, it has the din of cheres and cannot be kashered. I personally am

machmir.

8. Ashkenazim hold that glass cannot be kashered for Pesach, because lechatchila it is considered akin to cheres. Since we can assume that almost

all glassware was put into a (hot) dishwasher, even drinking glasses should

not be used. However, if one has glassware that was never washed with water

hotter than yad soledes and never contained chometz for more than twenty-

fours consecutive hours, the minhag is that they can be kashered in the

manner described in note 25. In situations of need, a rov should be consulted,

as there are grounds to be more flexible.

9. Kashering with boiling water should be completed before the zman issur achilas chometz. However, kashering with libun can be performed even after

this time.

10. I am sure that the majority of you out there follow this, but ain mezarzin ela limzurozin. Kashering for Pesach is difficult and dangerous. Do not let your

wife or young children do it. Take proper precautions with the hot water and

especially with the blowtorch. Do it when it is convenient for your wife, not

when it is convenient for you. Do not allow your wife to become a slave to your

chumrosPesach is the festival of freedom!

4 See Alter Rebbes Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, 451:24.

parts that come in contact with food require tevila as well.

miCRowavEs

A microwave is a complicated appliance, because the heat is not externally generated, but is created from within the food itself. If something non-kosher was warmed up in a microwave, the issur is transferred to subsequent food items (not via heat, but) via the steam. Therefore, the accepted way to kasher a microwave is as follows:

Clean the microwave thoroughly, especially in the corners and at the joints. Do not use it for twenty-four hours. Pour boiling water from a kettle into a microwave-proof utensil and put the utensil into the microwave. Turn the microwave on high until the microwave fills with steam, and then wipe off the moisture. The glass turnstile should also be kashered with hag'olo.

CoNvECtioN miCRowavE ovENs

If the heating element is visible, all that is required is for the oven to be turned on to the highest convection temperature for an hour. If the element is not visible, in addition to turning it on to the

highest temperature for an hour, the process used for kashering a regular microwave should be performed as well.

RiCE CooKER

Rice is generically kosher. The only way a rice cooker can become treif is either by being washed up together with non-kosher dishes or if it is not used in the normal fashion. Either way, the rice cooker can be kashered with hag'olo.

mixERs, ElECtRiC KNivEs, immERsioN blENDERs, aND similaR appliaNCEs

The handles or bases of these items must be thoroughly cleaned but do not need to be kashered. All the other parts, such as the blades, paddles, and the like, require both kashering through hag'olo and tevila. Sometimes the parts contain joints and crevices; if they cannot be cleaned, these areas require libun kal, kash nisraf (as mentioned in the main body of the article). If this is not possible, the parts must be replaced.

38 38


An important part of the kashering process is to toivel the keilim. It is important to note that the only keilim that require tevila min hadin are metal and glass (which includes Corelle and Corningware). China, wood, and plastic do not require tevila, although many have the custom of toiveling china without a brocho. Some toivel plastic as well.

While min hatorah only metal requires tevila, Chazal required glass to be toiveled as well. The reason is because glass can be melted and repaired like metal. By contrast, plastic melts and burns, and therefore it does not require tevila. While in previous ages china may have actually been made with a glass coating, modern-day china contains no glass coating whatsoever. It cannot be melted and cannot be repaired with heat. The shine cannot be construed to be a layer of glass. Therefore, maiikar hadin it does not require tevila.

The above is a very important principle to be aware of. Firstly, it makes the process of kashering a kitchen easier. Secondly, you can sometimes be confronted by a situation where someone has a kosher home but you know that he has not toiveled his dishes. While failure to toivel does not render the food non-kosher, it is questionable whether one can drink water from a glass in such a home. But a hot cup of tea in a china cup would pose no problem whatsoever!

Of course, electric keilim pose a unique set of problems, as electricity and water do not

go together. The most lenient view is that of the Chelkas Yaakov. He is of the opinion2 that since electrical appliances are plugged into the wall, they are not mekabel tumah and therefore do not need to be toiveled. However, even he argues3 that this would only apply, say, to a George Foreman or toaster, because it has no other use other than when it is plugged in. An urn or kettle, by contrast, can be used to hold water even when it is not plugged in, so this heter will not apply.

Many poskim disagree with this plug-in heter. Instead they suggest that if a keili cannot be toiveled, it should be given as an absolute gift to a gentile and then borrowed back for use by the Jew. This circumvents the tevila requirement, because keilim owned by a gentile do not require tevila. While this may appear to be a case of legal fiction, when combined with the view of the Chelkas Yaakov, there is a sound heter to avoid tevila. However, as stated, the Chelkas Yaakov does not apply his heter to urns and similar utensils.

It is, however, possible to toivel many electrical appliances in the following manner. The key is to ensure that the item is completely dry before attempting to use it. Once the item has been toiveled (and all it needs is a single dip!), the water should be shaken off of it and it should be left to dry.

A George Foreman can

2 Yoreh Deiah 41.

3 Ibid. 43.

be toiveled in the mikvah and then allowed to dry for several days in a warm, dry area. If one is in more of a hurry to use the appliance, a hair dryer can be used to dry it faster. If, after drying, the appliance blows a fuse when it is plugged in, it is a sign that it must be left to dry for longer. Similarly, devices that do not have the plug-in heter, such as a kettle, urn, or electric frying pan, can be toiveled in the same way. The longer the keili is left to dry, the better the chance of avoiding damage, as long as the water is shaken off immediately after the tevila.

A toaster has a more delicate electrical structure and the water will likely cause permanent damage. Similarly, if the part requiring tevila has an LED or LCD screen, it will likely be ruined by the water. In such cases, the plug in heter together with giving the item as a gift to a goy is the only way to go about it.

Another method is to completely dismantle the utensil and then rebuild it. Since the keili was built by a Jew, the tevila requirement does not apply. However, this is a complicated solution, because taking it apart will not always remove the halachic keili status from the item. A rov should be consulted if this method is being used.

Of course, a base that does not come in contact with foodfor example, the base of a blenderdoes not require tevila.

tEvilas KEilim


Of course, it is a fruitless exercise to kasher a home before the family is properly keeping kosher. It is therefore important to first guide the family to a position of proper kashrus observance, and only then to kasher their kitchen.

This means that the family must be taught how to keep kosher. The first step is to make sure the food they buy is kosher. They need to be taught where kosher meat can be purchased, and in the United States and Canada they need to learn which symbols to look for and get used to only buying those products.

In the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe, as well as in Australia and New Zealand, they need to be given a current kosher guide and taught how to use it. In the United Kingdom and Australia there are websites (such as www.ka.org.au) and kosher apps that can be used. It may take some time for a family to get used to using these lists or apps, and it is the shliachs job to carefully guide them through it.

While they are getting used to getting the right ingredients, they also need to practice keeping meat and milk separate. They need to be taught that under no circumstances can meat ingredients be mixed with milk. No more pepperoni on the pizza, and no more cheese on the bolognaise. They will need to learn to keep separate utensils, and that the dishwasher can be used for either meat or milk, but not for both.

Some families will be ready to do this immediately, but others will want to take their time to make their way into the routine. Sometimes this means buying a new set of dishes and pots and designating them separately as milk and meat, even before everything is fully kashered. This can become a bit complicated. Is there a value in having a new set of milk or meat utensils before the entire kitchen is kashered? Actually, the answer is yes, and you may not even have to re-kasher the new set when you kasher the kitchen. However, this is a complex issue, so you will need to be in contact with your local Rov who, depending on the particular circumstances, will guide you through the pros and cons of what should be done and when.

Once the family is properly keeping kosher, they will be ready for you to kasher their kitchen.

pREpaRiNg tHE family foR tHE KasHERiNg pRoCEDURE

The better you prepare the family for the kashering process, the easier your job will be. It is worthwhile to visit the home and go through all the utensils, showing them what can be kashered and what cannot and needs to be purchased anew. You will also be able to assess whether you will need help and make a guesstimate how long the kashering will take based on

the amount of utensils that need kashering.

Additionally, you dont want to arrive on kashering day and find out that you will need to spend time cleaning, so during this advance visit, you can point out to them which items will need special cleaning. Ovens and baking utensils will often need an overnight dose of oven cleaner. If a lot of kashering will be done with boiling water on countertops and the like, it is a good idea to ask them to have lots of towels handy.

You also need to warn them in advance which items they must refrain from using for the twenty-fours hours before kashering. Depending on your relationship with the family, its probably not a bad idea to invite them to your house for dinner on the night when their utensils cannot be used.

safEty aND pRaCtiCality wHilE KasHERiNg

Kashering involves lots of hot water, heat, and fire. It is therefore essential to take appropriate safety measures.

Make sure that your children and all children are nowhere near the kashering area.

If you will be using hot water, be aware of the locations of the

electrical outlets. Water and electricity do not go together. Wipe up water spills as soon as they happen.

If possible, use heat-resistant gloves when using hot water.

Wear comfortable, well-fitted clothing.

If possible, use rubber-soled, slip-resistant shoes.

When using a blowtorch, make sure you know in advance where all combustible material is and keep such material far away.

Know where the smoke detector is and be prepared to temporarily disable it if it goes off.

Preferably, bring a small portable fire extinguisher graded for electrical and oil fires.

Take your time, and do everything carefully.

When kashering countertops, try to place towels in areas that will catch the water, for example, under the countertop (between it and the top of the cupboard doors). This will hopefully prevent water from flowing into the cupboards. Wipe up spills as soon as they occur, and do not allow them to accumulate.

I cannot overemphasize the care that must be taken

iN tHE lEaD Up toKASHErING

40 40


with the blowtorch. As mentioned above, it may even be a good idea to purchase a small portable fire extinguisher to have handy in case of an emergency. A small fire can be put out in moments; if it is not put out, in those same moments it can spread very quickly.

It is not always possible to do the following, but this may avoid a lot of the hassle for the family. If you have a Chabad House with a kitchen, you can pick up their utensils and kasher them at the Chabad House. That way, all the family is exposed to is the kashering of the fixed items such as the stove and countertop. You will feel less self-conscious, and usually the Chabad House kitchen will be larger and make the kashering easier. You will anyways need to take their utensils from their house for the purpose of tevila (unless they will be doing the toiveling).

fiRst aiD

If someone gets burned, chas veshalom, with either hot water or fire, the following guidelines should be followed.

1. stop tHE bURNiNg pRoCEss.

Consider your own safety first, and stop the source of the burn.

If you are on fire, stop, drop, and roll along the ground to smother the fire.

If its an electrical burn, turn off the power if possible using something dry and non-conductive like a wooden broom handle.

If its a chemical burn, remove the burning agent and irrigate with water.

2. RUN ColD watER.

Place the burn under running cold water for twenty minutes. Yes, twenty minutes. Not two

minutes, not five minutes, but a full twenty minutes. It does feel like a long time, but it will make a difference to the recovery and treatment of the burn.

Remove all jewelry, watches, and clothing (if they are not stuck to the burn) once cooling has commenced. If the items have melted and are stuck to the wound, do not attempt to remove them. Seek immediate medical attention.

Do not use ice, butter, toothpaste, creams, or ointments.These substances can make things worse.

3. sEEK mEDiCal attENtioN.

Seek medical attention for all children's burns by calling an ambulance or going to the hospital.

For adults, seek medical attention if the burn is larger than a U.S. silver half dollar, if it is on the face, hands, or groin area, or if the burn is white in color (which means that it has penetrated deeply).

If in doubt, do not hesitatecall an ambulance. C

Rabbi Moshe D. Gutnick, senior dayan of the Sydney Beth Din and rabbinic administrator of the Kashrut Authority of Australia and NZ, went on shlichus to Sydney, Australia with his wife Esty and newborn daughter in Elul 5742. His shlichus was uniquely directed by the Rebbe to be in kashrus and beis din matters. He can be contacted for kashrus matters at [email protected] and for beis din matters at [email protected].

Article compiled by Rabbi Yehudah Altein

fiNDiNg tHE RigHt blowtoRCH

A blowtorch is one of the most con-venient tools used for kashering, but it is also potentially the most destructive. As there are quite a few on the market, it is critical to ensure that you have the right one. The oxy-acetylene torch is com-mon in the building industry but is simply not suitable for kashering. Experience has shown that while it heats metal very quickly, it is too hot and can actually cut through the utensil (been there, done that).The best gas to use is butane gas or LPG (the gas used in barbeque cylinders).

It is also a good idea to obtain a spe-cial head made so that the flame is larger (something like three inches in diameter). Less than a minute to libun kal, libun gomur in minutes, house gone in... we won't go there. For commercial applications, the larger head is essential, though you may want to use a smaller head in private homes.

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"

how shluchim have Brought hakhel to their Communities

Rabbi Mendel Wolvovsky, sonoma County, CA

Hakhel is all about unity, a nation coming together to grow in its connection to Hashem. every person, as the Rebbe explains,1 is the leader of his or her own circle. Just as , during the times of the Beis Hamikdosh, the leader of the Jewish peo-ple would gather the nation to inspire them to grow in their avodas Hashem, so, too, every individual should do the same in his or her sphere of influence. Today, the timeless significance of Hakhel is a prevalent theme of Chabad House programming. Here is how some shluchim have brought the Hakhel message and experience to their communities this year.

1 Toras Menachem 5748 p. 338

Ive been talking about Hakhel since Rosh Hashanah. I speak to community members about it and mention it in my sermons. Whenever ten Jews come together, the shechina itself joins them. This implies that every Jew is connected with Hashem by virtue of their very exis-tenceall they need to do is come together. This holds true regardless of the purpose of the gathering. If this is true at all times, all the more so during a Shnas Hakhel! The synergy and koach of us all together is so much stronger. (Of course, Hakhel gatherings can be made when even two Jews gather.)

hakhel highlightsWe recently participated in a unity-themed shabbaton that we arranged together with Rabbi and Mrs. Yossi Marcus (Chabad of the North Peninsula), Rabbi and Mrs. Chaim Zaklos (Chabad of Solano County), and Rabbi and Mrs. Yossi Korik (Chabad of Roseville), with guest speaker Rabbi Moshe Feller. The discussions, farbrengens, etc. were very inspirational and strengthened the communitys connection to Yiddishkeit and yiras Hashem but the primary marketing pitch we used was to join together as a community over an entire Shabbos. in this sense, the shabbaton was just like Hakhelstrengthening yiras Hashem through achdus.

1

44

hakhel

2

ContriButors:rABBi mendel wolvovsky, sonomA County, CAliforniA rABBi shneur CAdAner, dAvenPort, iowArABBi sholom Ber liPskAr, BAl hArBor, floridA rABBi nAftAli Perlstein, montreAl, QueBeCmrs. devorA CAytAk, ottAwA, ontAriorABBi ChAim JACoBs, glAsgow, sCotlAndrABBi mendel gerlitzky, tel Aviv, eretz yisroelrABBi mendel kAPlAn, thornhill, ontArio

Living as we do in a small community, the message of Hakhel is highly motivating to me and my wife as shluchim, as well as to the community. Our present lack of a building for the Chabad House has made it tough to for us to host yet another event or shiur, as people here are uncomfortable attending events in a private house. Hakhel has inspired us to con-tinue moving ahead and do what we need to do. When we explain the idea of Hakhel to our community, it gives them an extra push to con-tinue to come together as well.

hakhel highlightson Sukkos a few families got together to take part in the live streaming mega Hakhel event that took place in New York. We try to mention Hakhel at each event we do, such as at our first-ever menorah parade this Chanukah. Addition-ally, weve been working on bringing in speakers to address the community approximately every six weeks. Though this is financially challeng-ing, we try what we can and, boruch Hashem, theres hatzlocha.

Rabbi Shneur Cadaner,davenport, iA


Unity is certainly a powerful message. Weve been work-ing with seniorswhom Ive found to appreciate unity per-haps even more than other people; theyve had time to un-derstand how every individual has a unique contribution. As a shlucha, I also believe that promoting Hakhel brings bro-chos into our lives. Ive seen this myself, and I think that as we fulfill the Rebbes directives about Hakhel we, too, gain.

hakhel highlightsWe have a monthly Hakhel get-together as part of our Art

and Soul Rosh Chodesh Society and also hosted a preschool party. A recent Hakhel hit was our standing-room-only Seniors Health and Wellness Conference at the beginning of Kislev. No-rene Gilletz, a famous Canadian cookbook author, addressed the crowd on healthy eating and i spoke about Hakhel and the Rebbes unique approach to seniors. People were captivated.

3Mrs. Devorah Caytak

ottawa, Canada

46

hakhel

In our Chabad House (The Chai Center), weve spoken about the need to reenact Hakhel in its entirety. Just as the king would address the entire

nation in the Beis Hamikdosh, we need to travel as a group to the nosi hador of our generation, the Rebbe, as the Rebbe said in 5748 (Toras Menachem 5748 p. 429). Community members whove learned to appreciate the concept of a nosi hador gain a newfound respect for the con-cept of Hakhel, and the knowledge that we as shluchim will be making a trip to the nosi hador inspires and motivates us to do more for our community.

Ive also found that the message of unity resonates very strongly with people, especially in light of the current situa-tion in Eretz Yisroel.

hakhel highlightsWeve tried to make as big a deal about Hakhel as pos-

sible. My wife and i ask people to host small get-togethers mini farbrengens of sorts for their friends and neighbors and speak there about Hakhel, and the Chabad House hosts larger, communal Hakhel gatherings. For example, on Cha-nukah we had a mega family Hakhel event and toy drive for israeli children affected by terror. Someone donated pallets of toys and the community came together to wrap the toys for these children as Chanukah gifts; the theme of the event was achdus with israel in the spirit of Hakhel.

We are working toward joining with nearby Chabad Houses for a Hakhel event and eventually culminating with a trip to the Rebbe, bezras Hashem.

The Hakhel theme in our community is twofold: unity and education, both of which are quite unique in the way they relate to Hakhel. For the event and mitzvah of Hakhel, the Torah directs us to bring every member of the Jew-ish community, including all men, women and children. The word Hakhel means congregate. Its not just a grouping of different individuals but when the many become one and a kahal is created. Kahal means a communal congregation, which is an integrative termnot just coming together, but becoming onetotal unity.

The educational component of Hakhel is unique, too. Just think about it: families would come together with their chil-dren, even babies, to listen to the king teach the Torah and be inspired to serve Hashem. Imagine how such a learning en-vironment must have sounded! It is not always easy to learn when babies are present, as we see in our own experiences. The reason everyone came was because the focal point of Hakhel wasnt only the words, it was the environment. Edu-cation through osmosis and establishing the Torahs authority in our nations identity are concepts that resonate with people and imbue even the youngest minds with that powerful mes-sage.

Today, with the situation in Eretz Yisrael as terrifying as

it is, people seem to identify with Hakhel more than before. Seventy years ago, Jews were murdered simply because of who they were. The same thing is happening now. People want to connect with their Israeli brethren as one nation, over and above any externalities.

The world has become so connected through modern com-munications that terror on one side of the world brings fear and trembling to the other. Paris affects Brooklyn. Likewise, Hakhel has a spiritual strength and tranquility that enables us to counteract that fear with positivity: when were connected on the positive side, as a unified Jewish world, we can over-come all negativity.

hakhel highlightsWe talk about Hakhel at every program we do, especially

the large ones. We also have an ongoing home-visitation ini-tiative on a regular basis, especially during or before yomim tovim, where our shluchim and baalei batim visit families and talk to them about Yiddishkeita mini Hakhel every time. Approximately 60 homes of our public school kids were visited during Chanukah, where the families had also invited their friends and family.

5Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar,

Bal harbor, fl

4 Rabbi Naftali Perlstein, montreal, Canada


Hakhel makes us realize we need to just get on with itto organize as many gatherings as possible that increase the participants yiras Shomayim. The Rebbe says , to do in Hakhel. We have to just make it happen. This does not necessarily mean to do new things, but to do more of them and with the inten-tion of unity. As shluchim, my wife and I have found Hakhel to be a very strong push for us to do more.

hakhel highlightsThere have been quite a number of events, lunches, and afternoon teas (this is the

13 - compass magazine teves 5776

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