Kashering

Answer

Answered by Rabbi Abadi

If you clean your countertop, it has no Chametz. As simple as that. Then you'll ask, "but what about the Chametz absorbed into the counter?" and I'll say, absorbtion only happens with pots on the fire, referred to as Keli Rishon, the first pot or dish. While a dinner plate, a counter, or anything that comes next is called Keli Sheni, the second pot or dish. The first one was the one it cooked in and now it was removed from #1 and put into #2, Keli Sheni. This does not absorb. Keli Sheni just needs to be cleaned. Then you'll ask with an angry tone at this point, "but then why did they cover their counters for generations? What are you changing the Torah?" And I'll calm you down and explain. The previous kitchens had wood counters, made up of planks of wood, and other similar counters. Cleaning those cracks and holes completely was not possible, so they did the best they can and then they covered it. They didn't want actual Chametz pieces in their potato kugel. Easier than spending days with toothpicks. Nowadays we have these smooth counters. Granite, marble, formica. Even the wood butcher block counters are smooth, without cracks and holes. So why cover it? Clean it and be done. Now do you understand? Now why were you taking that tone with me?! (for those of you who have just joined, and for the ones without a sense of humor, this was just some humor added, sorry)