In this engaging Ask Away #23 episode of the Everyday Judaism podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe fields practical kosher questions emphasizing accessibility for all levels of observance. Key topics include acquiring utensils from non-Jews: new metal items require Tevilah (immersion in a mikvah) but not Kashering if unused, while repaired vessels over 3–5 ounces need re-Tevilah only if significantly renewed. Countertops like granite are easily Kashered with boiling water, but manufactured stones (e.g., quartz/quartzite) may pose absorption issues—consult a rabbi before purchase. Porcelain sinks can't be Kashered, favoring stainless steel; Formica Kashers via hot water pour-over or steaming iron. Grills reaching 600°F self-Kasher through Libun Gamur (full incineration), and oven self-clean cycles achieve the same.
Callers explore nuances like rust (clean for health, not halacha), small vessels (exempt from re-Tevilah if repaired minimally), and non-kosher materials (wood, plastic, silicone can't be Kashered—dedicate new ones to meat/dairy/parve). Mikvahs are pristine via advanced filtration, with separate pools for women, men, and utensils to maintain sanctity. Rabbi Wolbe shares anecdotes, like koshering a friend's grill covertly or his grandmother's accidental dairy-after-meat dessert, stressing mistakes are growth opportunities—inform hosts of your kitchen status to avoid issues.
On broader themes, Rabbi Wolbe advises against expecting moral perfection from politicians; Jewish voting prioritizes safety for Jews here and in Israel, reevaluating per election without herd mentality. Torah leaders (e.g., Rebbe Aaron Leib Steinman) exemplify angelic character alongside wisdom. The episode promotes mikvah tours, supporting Jewish products when possible, and embracing ones personal spiritual journey without shame.
Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org
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The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way.
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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen Lerner
This episode (Ep. #73) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!
Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on November 2, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on November 19, 2025
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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
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Keywords:
#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Jewish, #Traditions, #Law, #KosherKitchen, #Countertops, #Utensils, #MoralCharacter, #Politics, #JewishTradition, #Mikvah, #GefilteFish, #KosherLaws