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>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis</div>
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<p><strong><strong>Q. Can one <em>kasher</em> plastic bowls and utensils for Pesach?</strong></strong></p>
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<p>A. Rav Moshe Feinstein <em>zt”l</em> (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim II: 92) was asked whether it is permissible to
<em>kasher</em> synthetic materials for Pesach. He writes that the Torah sets forth guidelines for
<em>kashering</em> metal, wood and clay, but does not discuss new materials that were recently developed. Since we do not have any clear guidelines from the Torah or early
<em>poskim</em> as to what they might have held regarding these new materials, we should not permit
<em>kashering</em> them. However, many other <em>poskim</em> including Minchas Yitzchak (3:67), Chelkas Yaakov (Yoreh Deah 45), Tzitz Eliezer (4:6) and Rav Ovadya Yosef
<em>zt”l</em> (Chazon Ovadya, Hilchos Pesach) were lenient, provided that the plastic will not melt or get ruined from the
<em>kashering</em> process. However, if the plastic has scratches or cracks, it cannot be
<em>kashered</em>. Many in America have the <em>minhag</em> to follow Igros Moshe and not to
<em>kasher</em> plastic. However, if one does not know if that is their <em>minhag</em>, it is the position of the OU
<em>poskim</em> that one may be lenient if there is a need.</p>
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YL<br>
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