Q&A: Kashering Glass Utensils
Kashering Glass Utensils
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Which approach do you think is the most correct regarding kashering glass utensils?
Answer
I don’t really have a position on these issues, because as I understand it there is a big disconnect there between the categories of Jewish law and reality. Because of that, in my view the most correct approach is that of the Shulchan Arukh, who holds that there is no need at all. But that is not because it is the most correct; rather, because it is the most lenient. Since from the outset it seems there is no real concern here, one can follow the lenient opinions.
Discussion on Answer
On that, as is well known, the halakhic decisors disagreed as to whether their law is like that of glass or like earthenware vessels, which cannot be remedied. The custom has been to be lenient, at least where there is significant loss, and kasher them by boiling-water purging. And if they were not used with hot food, and when the prohibition is rabbinic, it is even easier. However, for Passover it may be necessary to be more stringent, and this requires further analysis.
And what about ceramic and porcelain? Is there any room to be lenient there?