Question: If I go to someone’s house and that person does not keep kosher, can I have a cup of tea there in a china cup which is presumably glazed on the outside, (as I think all cups are nowadays)?

Answer: whether tea was poured into the cup, one would be permitted to drink it (unless one knows that the cup had been used for non-kosher, hot food in the last 24 hours—we do not assume that it was). Asking for a cup of tea, or pouring it yourself, would not be allowed.

Simply put, the reason for that is that you may not intentionally use a non-kosher utensil for hot food. In case it was done unintentionally, next the kosher status of the hot food or drink depends on the following: Is the taste of non-kosher food or drink (already absorbed in the utensil) capable of affecting the food or drink placed in the utensil? The conditions for the latter are complex, and beyond the scope

of that correspondence. Please speak to a local kosher authority for more details. Suffice it to say that, in that case, the tea would be permissible, presuming you fulfill the conditions mentioned in the previous paragraph.

All the best!

Rabbi Azriel Schreiber

Original post by ATR

jewish Kipoth Synagogue Haggadahs Talis Bag Enlightenment Hanukah Soncino Talitot Yom Kippur Hanukkah Jewish Wedding Kashrut Guide Yemenite Torah Mantles jews Shofar Beth Din Jewish Camps Talmud Artscrolls Artscroll Jewish Information Kosher Gifts Paroches Haggadah Sukkot Passover Jewish News Reform Jew Talit Bat Mitzvah Jewish Rituals Jewish Directory Kashrut Antisemitism Purim Torah Cover Jewish Law Shul Prayer Shawl Free Jewish Politics Tallit Tallitot Ketubot Menorahs Menorah Reform Jewish Links