Managing an Airbnb non kosher Kitchen (Non Jewish host)

Hi, I've just arrived at my Airbnb apartment and realized that I forgot to pack any dishes. May I use the dishes provided by my non-Jewish host? Or his stainless-steel cutlery? Also, am I allowed to warm food in his microwave? I would appreciate your halachic guidance on these matters. Thank you.

Thank you for your question.

Certainly! First I would like to outline the halachic concerns associated with using a kitchen that has not been kept kosher. Following that, I'll provide you with a practical guide on how to be able to use what you have available.

There are two main concerns with regard to using a non-kosher kitchen

1. Tevielas Keilim – Some utensils need to be immersed in a mikvah before being used, so were the utensils immersed in a mikvah?

2. Are there any nonkosher foods on the dishes or even absorbed into the dishes?

Regarding Tevielas Keilim in your situation you don’t have a problem, since the host is a non-Jew then the dishes and utensils are exempt from Tevielas keilim. Since the halacha of Tevielas Keilim is only for dishes that are owned by a Jew, so even though you plan on using the dishes, since you don’t own them you do not have to do Tevielas Keilm. This Halacha is brought in the Shulchan Aruch YD: siman 120 se’if 8

שולחן ערוך יורה דעה הלכות הכשר וטבילת כלים סימן קכ סעיף ח

השואל או שוכר כלי מהעו"ג, אינו טעון טבילה

“A person who borrows or rents a utensil from a non-Jew does not require immersion."

Stainless steel Cutlery

For the cutlery, you'll first need to perform Hagalah (instructions on this process will be provided later in this response). Since the cutlery belongs to your host and is therefore not owned by a Jew, it does not require Tevilah, as dishes owned by non-Jews are exempt from this requirement, as mentioned above.

Glass cups

Glass cups may be used only for cold beverages and do not need Te’vielah.

Dishes and Serving plates

However, dishes and serving plates can only be used if one has done Hagalah and halachicly it is difficult to do Hagalah on such dishes since porcelain, glass, or plastic dishes according to many Halachic opinions Hagalah doesn’t help to make it Kosher to use, therefore one should avoid using them.

Peeler

Vegetable peeler, one may use and does not need Te’vilah or Hagalah.

Cutting board

The cutting board may be used, however it is prohibited to use it when cutting either hot or spicey food(דבר חריף).

Countertop :

One should make sure it is thoroughly clean, then one may place hot pots on it. However, one may not place hot food directly on the counter.

Microwave

One may use it only when double-wrapping the food.

There is a way to make the microwave kosher (Machshir).

1. Wait 24 hours without using it

2. Place a cup with hot water inside

3. Turn on the microwave for about a quarter of an hour, enough time for the water to evaporate.

Even after one has made the microwave Kosher, some are stringent to cover the food when heating.

It's important to note that although we mentioned earlier that in your situation it is permitted to heat the food which is double-wrapped in a non-kosher microwave, nevertheless this would not be permitted in one’s home on a day-to-day basis.

Using the gas top

One may cook using the host’s gas top as long as it is clean of any food residue. Some are stringent to cover it with aluminum foil but it's not obligatory.

Using the BBQ grill

The base of the grill is permitted to be used however, the grid is forbidden since it would need “Libun Chamur” meaning it would have to reach a temperature that the iron would become red hot, which is almost impossible. So one would have to buy a new grid and Toivel it before using (even when intended for a one-time use). If the grill has a cover then it would only be permitted to use the cover if the food is covered. If the food is not covered then it would be prohibited to use.

Ha’galah – stainless-steel cutlery.

How to do Ha’galah?

1. The cutlery has to be “Eino Ben Yomo” – meaning; not used in the past twenty-four hours.

2. One must ensure the cutlery is completely clean of any dirt, food residue, or rust. It is best to clean the cutlery 24 hours before Ha'galah.

3. Then fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil, and then place the cutlery into the water while it is still boiling for a little time.

4. If you don't have a pot to boil the water in, you may use a kettle. Keep the water boiling, then place the cutlery inside.

5. Then the water needs to be poured out and not used.

6. The custom is to afterward immerse the cutlery in cold water, however, if one forgets to do it, the Ha’galah is still kosher.

Wishing you a nice and pleasant holiday.

Shulchan Aruch YD: siman 120 se’if 8, Kovets Pesokim Ve'hora'ah page 92