keilim

Keilim (Hebrew: כלים, literally "vessels" or "utensils") is a term used in Jewish law to refer to objects that can become ritually impure through contact with tamei (impure) substances. This concept is central to the laws of ritual purity and impurity outlined in the Torah and further elaborated in rabbinic literature.

In biblical context, keilim encompasses a wide range of objects including containers, vessels, and utensils made from various materials such as metal, wood, clay, leather, and fabric. The Torah specifies that only certain types of keilim can contract ritual impurity, and the method of purification varies depending on the material and the specific type of impurity involved.

The laws governing keilim are particularly relevant in maintaining ritual purity in the Temple service and in the preparation of food according to kashrut requirements. Metal vessels, for example, can often be purified through immersion in a mikvah (ritual bath) or through specific cleansing procedures, while earthenware vessels that become impure must typically be broken and cannot be purified.

In contemporary Jewish practice, the laws of keilim remain applicable, particularly in the context of kashering (making kosher) utensils and vessels when transitioning between dairy and meat use, or when purifying items that have come into contact with non-kosher food. The proper treatment of keilim ensures that religious Jews maintain the ritual standards required by halacha (Jewish law).

The study of keilim is extensive in rabbinic literature, with detailed discussions found in the Mishnah, Talmud, and later halachic codes. Scholars and religious authorities continue to apply these ancient principles to modern circumstances, ensuring the continued relevance of these ritual purity laws in contemporary Jewish life.