Leaving the kitchen unsupervised

Hi,

One should not leave one's kitchen unsupervised, with a non-Jewish housekeeper in the home, even if cooking is never part of the housekeeper's job. The housekeeper might innocently prepare food for herself or for the family, not realizing the problem this would cause for the kashrut of the kitchen.

One who did this may use the dishes and kitchen equipment after 24 hours have passed, if they had been unaware that doing so is prohibited.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 1:61)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Holding a utensil while immersing it

Hi,

One should hold the utensil loosely while immersing it in the mikvah, to allow water to access all of the surfaces of the utensil.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 120:2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Tovelling - Which materials require tevillat kelim?

Hi,

One who acquires new utensils which will be used with food and were owned by someone who was not Jewish must immerse them in a mikvah.

This applies principally to utensils made from metal or glass. For a thorough list of which utensils qualify as "used with food," as well as which material require immersion, please see the Star-K guide here.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 120:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai