Netilat Yadayim upon Waking Up: Difference between revisions

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When one wakes up in the morning there is a mitzvah to wash one's hands 3 times with a cup. The details of when and how it should be done are described below:
Chazal established that upon waking up a person should wash his hands in the morning prior to davening Shacharit to clean his hands before praying, purify them of any hint of death that comes from sleeping, and prepare himself for holiness the way the Kohanim did in the Beit HaMikdash. The details of when and how it should be done are described below:
==Reasons for Washing One's Hands==
# One reason for netilat yadayim in the morning is that overnight one's hands certainly got dirty from touching one's body.<ref>Rosh Brachot 9:23</ref>
# Another reason for netilat yadayim in the morning is to remove the negative spirits on our hands after having been recreated each day.<ref>Rashba teshuva 1:191 writes that the reason for netilat yadayim in the morning isn't just because of the davening otherwise one should recite a bracha for netilat yadayim prior to mincha and arvit. Rather the reason is because a person is recreated each day and the the bracha was established like brachot hashachar. It represents preparing ourselves for kedusha just like the kohanim would wash their hands from the Kiyor in the Bet Hamikdash before doing avoda.</ref>
# A third reason for netilat yadayim in the morning is to remove the negative spirits upon himself, which is a result of the element of death that descends upon a person when he sleeps.<ref>Zohar Beresheet 184b cited by Bet Yosef 4:8</ref>
==Procedure for Washing One's Hands==
==Procedure for Washing One's Hands==
# One should wash with a cup or some sort of vessel.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 4:7, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 2:4, Mishna Brurah 4:15, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Mordechai Eliyahu 2:1. The Hagahot Mordechai Brachot 192, Ran Chullin 37b s.v. mipnei, Bet Yosef 4:7 based on Rosh, and Darkei Moshe 4:1 all write that a vessel isn't necessary for Netilat Yadayim in the morning. However, the Rashba teshuva 1:191 writes that a vessel is necessary.</ref> If there is no cup available, according to Ashkenazim, if one is in an extenuating circumstance and wants to pray, one may wash without a cup with a bracha. According to Sephardim, if one washes without a cup, such as if one washes directly from the faucet, one should not recite a bracha.<ref>Rama 4:7, Mishna Brurah 4:16, and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 2:6 hold that if there's no utensil available one can wash without it and recite a bracha. This is either based on the Ran Chullin 37b or the Rashba 1:191 according to the Dareki Moshe Haaruch. However, the Kiseh Eliyahu 4:3 and Tzemach Tzedek Lubavitch O.C. 1:1 argue with the Rama that the Rashba would hold that a vessel is critical and without it one can't recite a bracha. This is indeed implied by the Rashba 1:190 and 1:595 that the language of Al Netinat Yadayim implies that a vessel is necessary. Aruch Hashulchan 4:10, Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments on Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 2:9), Or LeTzion 2:1:5, Halacha Brurah 4:12, and Yalkut Yosef 4:1 agree that if one can't use a vessel one should wash without a bracha.</ref>
# One should wash with a cup or some sort of vessel. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 4:7, Kitzur S"A 2:4, Mishna Brurah 4:15. </ref> If there is no cup, according to Ashkenazim, if one is in an extenuating circumstance and one wants to pray, one may wash without a cup, with a bracha, however, according to Sephardim, if one washes without a cup, such as if one washes directly from the faucet, one shouldn't make a beracha. <ref> Kitzur S"A 2:6 writes that in an extenuating circumstance when there's no cup available and one wants to pray one should wash without a cup with a bracha. However, Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments on Kitzur S"A 2:9) writes that if one washes without a cup one shouldn't make the bracha. Halacha Berura 4:12 also writes that if one washes from the faucet one shouldn't make the bracha.</ref>
#One should wash up to one's wrists. If there is not enough water available, it is sufficient to wash up to one's major knuckles (where one's fingers connect to the hand).<ref>Mishna Brurah 4:9 writes that one should wash up to one's wrists and if there happens not to be enough water, it is sufficient to wash up to one's knuckles. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch O.C. 2:3 agrees. Ben Ish Chai (Parashat Toldot #2) writes that one must wash until one's wrists except on [[Yom Kippur]] and [[Tisha BeAv]] when one may only wash up to one's knuckles. </ref>
# One should wash up to one's wrists. If there's not enough water, it is sufficient to wash up to one's major knuckles (where the finger connects to the hand). <ref> Mishna Brurah 4:9 writes that one should wash up to one's wrists and if there's not enough water, it is sufficient to wash up to one's knuckles. Kitzur S"A 2:3 agrees. Ben Ish Chai (Parashat Toldot #2) writes that one must wash until one's wrists except for on [[Yom Kippur]] and [[Tisha BeAv]] when it is sufficient to wash up to one's knuckles. </ref>
#One should wash one's right hand first, then one's left hand, and repeat this process two more times so that one washes each hand three times, while alternating hands in the process. Some say one should wash each hand four times.<ref>Mishna Brurah 4:9 cites the Gra that one should wash four times to remove the ruach raah water remaining on one's hands after washing three times.</ref>
# One should wash one's right hand first, then one's left, and repeat this process two more times so that one washes each hand 3 times. Some say one should wash each hand 4 times. <ref>Mishna Brurah 4:9</ref>
#Before pouring the water, the filled vessel should be picked up with the right hand and passed to the left hand.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 4:10, Ben Ish Hai, Toledot, Halacha 1; Kaf HaChaim 4:12 </ref>
# Before pouring the water the filled vessel should be picked up with the right hand and passed to the left hand. <ref> Ben Ish Hai, Toledot, Halacha 1; Kaf HaChaim 4:12 </ref>
#Even a lefty should begin by washing his right hand first.<ref>Kaf HaChaim 4:35, Artzot HaChaim 4:10, Halacha Brurah 4:22, Mishna Brurah 4:22 explains that the lefty should also follow the practice of a righty since it is reflective of how the middah of Chesed should increase.</ref>
# Even a lefty should begin to wash his right hand first.<Ref>Kaf HaChaim 4:35, Artzot HaChaim 4:10, Halacha Brurah 4:22</ref>
# The water must enter in between the fingers, at least a little bit, otherwise it does not fulfill the requirement.<ref> Halichot Olam, Volume 1, Page 324. Hacham Ovadia Yosef writes that the beracha is considered levatala in a case where water does not enter in between fingers even slightly. </ref>
# One may not derive benefit from the water that one washed one's hands with.<Ref>Kitzur S"A 2:4</ref>
# One who is obligated in netilat yadayim may receive assistance from one who is not obligated in netilat yadayim and still fulfill the obligation.<ref> Yalkut Yosef, page 48. Shulchan Aruch O.C. 159:13 says that even a monkey can help one fulfill the obligation of netilat yadayim. </ref>
#One may not derive benefit from the water that one washed one's hands with.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 4:9, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 2:4. See Biur Halacha 338:8 s.v. assur how it is still considered usable. Rav Ben Tzion Abba Shaul (Or Letzion 2:1:6) argues that nowadays we usually pour more than a reviit each time, so there is no ruach raah and one may recite berachot and learn Torah by the water.</ref>
#One should wash one's hands with a bracha in the middle even if one only slept after Chatzot.<ref>Ben Ish Chai (Shana Rishona, Toldot no. 16)</ref>
# As a rabbinic mitzvah one should intention for the mitzvah of netilat yadayim when washing one's hands.<ref>Pri Megadim M"Z 4:15 writes that according to those who hold that there's no need for intention for rabbinic mitzvot then netilat yadayim doesn't need intention. According to those who hold that there is a need generally, potentially netilat yadayim shouldn't require intention since it is similar to tevilah which doesn't require intention (according to most, see Shulchan Aruch YD 198:48). However, the Pri Megadim distinguishes and says that only for optional mitzvot such as tevilah and shechita don't require kavana but netilat yadayim in the morning is an obligatory mitzvah and as such requires kavana. (This distinction of the Pri Megadim is highlighted by the Ramban Chullin 31b s.v. vha who says that mitzvot tzerichot kavana is for any obligatory mitzvah but not for a matir.) Yet, the Veyashev Hayam 1:2 (Rav Yakov Moshe Hillel) argues that it doesn't require kavana since it is less severe than tevilah and even tevilah doesn't require intention. This is relevant to the practice of the Chaye Adam (cited by Biur Halacha 4:1) to wash twice, once before going to the bathroom and once afterwards.</ref>


==Netilat Yadayim in the Bathroom==
==When should one wash one's hands?==
# One should wash one's hands immediately after one's recitation of Mode/Moda Ani. <ref> S"A 4:1 </ref>
# According to Ashkenazim, if one needs to go to the bathroom upon [[waking up]] and after going to the bathroom one will be ready for [[davening]], one should wash without a bracha upon [[waking up]] and after having gone to the bathroom wash again with the bracha of Al [[Netilat Yadayim]]. <ref> Magan Avraham 4:1 quotes the Ketavim as saying that one should wash with the bracha and then go to the bathroom, however, the Magen Avraham writes that he feels that  it's preferable to wash with after going to the bathroom. He adds that if one needs to go to the bathroom, then it's forbidden to wash with a bracha before going to the bathroom. The Kitzur S"A 2:7 and Mishna Brurah 4:4 agree with the Magen Avraham that one should wash with a bracha after going to the bathroom, but they add that one should also wash without a bracha before going to the bathroom. </ref>
# According to Ashkenazim, if after having gone to the bathroom one will still not be ready for [[davening]] and will have to go to the bathroom another time before [[davening]] (as is common when one wakes up a long time before [[davening]]), according to Ashkenazim, one should wash without a bracha upon [[waking up]], wash a second time without a bracha after having gone to the bathroom the first time, and then wash a third time with a bracha of Al [[Netilat Yadayim]] when one is ready for [[davening]] after having gone to the bathroom a second time. Some say that one doesn't need to wash before going to the bathroom and also that after having gone to the bathroom one should wash without a cup and without the bracha, and then when one is ready for [[davening]] one should wash again using a cup and make the bracha. <ref>
* If one is not going to be ready for [[davening]] after having gone to the bathroom the first time, the Beiur Halacha (4:1 s.v. Afliu) presents two opinions about when it is preferable to wash one's hands with the bracha of Al [[Netilat Yadayim]]. The Chaye Adam holds that it's preferable to wash without a bracha upon [[waking up]] and when one's ready for [[davening]] to wash again with the bracha, while the Shaarei [[Teshuva]] holds that one should wash with the bracha after going to the bathroom even if one isn't totally ready for [[davening]]. The Beiur Halacha rules like the Chaye Adam that upon [[waking up]] one should wash without a bracha and when one is ready for [[davening]] to wash again with the bracha.
* Rav Shlomo Zalman (quoted in Halichot Shlomo ([[Tefilla]] 2:23, pg 23)) rules like the Chaye Adam and states when one is washing one's hands after having gone to the bathroom in the morning if one knows that one will need to go to the bathroom again before [[Davening]], the first time one should wash without a bracha and after going to the bathroom the second time when one is ready for [[davening]] one should wash with the bracha.
* Rav Mordechai Willig in Am Mordechai ([[Brachot]], Siman 11, pg 45-8) writes that one should go to the bathroom, wash without a cup, and then when one is ready for [[davening]] wash again with a cup and make the bracha of Al [[Netilat Yadayim]]. </ref>
# According to Sephardim, one may get dressed, go to the bathroom, and then wash and make the bracha of [[Al Netilat Yadayim]]. However, it's preferable upon [[waking up]] to wash without a bracha and then after having gone to the bathroom to wash again with a Bracha unless one has an urgent need to go to the bathroom in which case one should go to the bathroom before washing one's hands. <Ref> Yalkut Yosef (vol 1, pg 384). Rav Ovadia Yosef in Halichot Olam (v. 1, p. 32) disagrees with the Ben Ish Chai (Toldot #6) who says that one shouldn't touch one's clothes before [[Netilat Yadayim]]. This is quoted by [https://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?PageIndex=119&ClipID=1521 Rabbi Mansour on dailyhalacha.com]. Halacha Brurah 4:4 writes that if one needs to go to the bathroom one should first go to the bathroom and then wash one's hands with a Bracha of Al [[Netilat Yadayim]]. However, some are strict to wash twice, once before going to the bathroom and once afterward and only make the bracha the second time. If the need to go to the bathroom is urgent then certainly one should go to the bathroom and only wash afterwards. </ref>


#One shouldn't wash Netilat Yadayim in a bathroom unless there is no other option such as on an airplane, but they should say the bracha outside of the bathroom.<ref>Yabia Omer OC 3:1, [Rabbi Mansour www.dailyhalacha.com/m/halacha.aspx?id=2517], Mayan Omer v. 1 p. 25. Yabia Omer 4:5 permits netilat yadayim in a bathroom in the case of sha'at hadhak. </ref>
==What is permissible before washing hands?==
# One may do netilat yadayim in a room which has a bath and no toilet.<ref> Yabia Omer 7:27 explains that this is because these rooms are generally kept clean and used for storing items. </ref>
# It is permissible to say [[Modeh Ani]] before washing hands. <ref> Mishna Brurah 1:8, Kitzur S"A 1:2, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 1:6 </ref>
# It's not permissible to learn or even think Torah before washing one's hands. <ref> Mishna Brurah 1:8, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 1:6 </ref>
# One should wash one's hands before walking 4 [[amot]]. <ref> Mishna Brurah 1:1, Kitzur S"A 2:1. See also Piskei Teshuvot 1:7 who writes that the minhag is that one should wash one's hands even before putting one's feet on the ground. </ref> However some are lenient in this regard. <ref> BeYitzchak Yikrah 1:2 comments that the tradition from the Gra that the Ruach Rah on hands was nullified with the death of Rabbi Avraham the Ger applies only to laws of the Zohar and not the Talmud Bavli and since this law is sourced in the Zohar, there is what to be lenient. </ref>
# If the water if further than 4 [[Amot]] some say that it's better to walk less than 4 [[amot]] at a time while others say it's better to go there quickly if it's still in the same house. <ref> Mishna Brurah 1:2 </ref>
# It’s permitted to get dressed prior to washing one’s hands. <Ref> Yalkut Yosef (vol 1 pg 7), Sh”t Yabia Omer 5:1, Sh”t Otzrot Yosef 1:1 </ref>
# One shouldn't touch any foods before washing his hands. If he did unintentionally, the food should be washed three times. If this is impossible, one should preferably refrain from eating it. If necessary though, one can eat it without washing it. <ref> Yabia Omer 4:1, Otzrot Yosef 1:10 </ref>


==When Should One Wash One's Hands?==
==Walking 4 [[amot]] prior to [[Netilat Yadayim]]==
{{Template:When Should One Wash One's Hands in the Morning}}
# It's preferable that one is strict not to walk more than 4 [[amot]] prior to [[Netilat Yadayim]]. <ref>The Tolat Yacov (Seder [[Netilat Yadayim]]) quotes the Zohar saying that it’s forbidden to walk 4 [[amot]] prior to washing [[Netilat Yadayim]]. (1) The Bach (beginning of 4) writes that S”A didn’t quote the Zohar because many people wouldn’t be able to fulfill the law. Sh”t Shevut Yacov 3:1 defends the minhag by saying that either the entire law of the Zohar isn’t applicable since the Talmud Balvi argues on it, or that the entire house is considered within 4 [[amot]]. The Eliyah Rabba 1:4 argues on the Shevut Yacov but defends the minhag by saying that perhaps the law doesn’t apply nowadays. So writes the Lechem Mishna (Shevitat Esor 3:12) and Yam Shel Shlomo (Chullin 31). (2) On the other hand, the Chida (Birkei Yosef 1:1) writes that it’s a serious halacha, most are strict about it, and if the water is far away one should walk less than 4 [[amot]] at a time to get the water.  So writes the Shalmei Tzibbur 18c, Chesed LeAlaphim 4:12, Ruach Chaim 4:1, and Petach Dvir 4:1. However, the Shaarei [[Teshuva]] 1:2 and Siddur Bet Ovad 6:3 argue that if the water is far away one should rush to get to the water as soon as one can. (3) In conclusion, Sh”t Otzrot Yosef 1:2 writes in name of Rav Ovadyah Yosef that in cases of need one may rely on the lenient opinions especially if one went to sleep after [[chatzot]]. So too, Mishna Brurah 1:2 writes that one may rely on the Shevut Yacov (that a house is like 4 [[amot]]) in cases of great need. </ref>


==What Is Permissible before Washing Hands?==
==When does one need to wash hands?==
# Before [[Shacharit]] or [[Mincha]] (specifically the [[Shemoneh Esrei]]) one should wash hands if one had a long interruption between the original washing upon rising. <ref> S"A 92:5 writes that if there was an interruption between the washing upon rising in the morning and praying, one should wash hands if water is available. This is brought down in Yalkut Yosef (Tefilah pg 330). </ref>  If water isn't available one doesn't need to wash one's hands, but only to rub it upon something hard. <ref> Mishna Brurah 92:26 writes that since one can't find water for Stam hands one doesn't need to wash them, but only to rub them against something that can clean them. </ref>
# If one actually touched a unclean part of the body or went to the bathroom, one must search and find water to wash hands for [[Shemoneh Esrei]]. <ref> Mishna Brurah 92:27 writes that only if one has Stam hands S"A is lenient that one doesn't have to search for water if it isn't around, however if there is a certain impurity such as if one touched an unclean area or went to the bathroom, one certainly must wash hands. Kaf Hachayim 4:86 writes that if he's in the middle of the shemoneh esrei and he realized that he touched something that would obligate him to wash, he should just wipe his hands on "midi diminakei" such as his clothes, wood, or stone. </ref>
# However, just to say [[Brachot]], [[Kriyat Shema]], or learn Torah one doesn't need to wash hands. <ref> Mishna Brurah 92:25 writes that implied from S"A is that only does [[Shemoneh Esrei]] need clean hands but for [[learning Torah]], [[Kriyat Shema]] or [[Brachot]] stam (they are in doubt, they aren't certainly clean or unclean) are sufficient. However, Mishna Brurah also quotes the Pri Megadim 4 writes that [[Kriyat Shema]] does need washed hands. </ref>
# If someone slept in a bed during the day, he should wash [[netilat yadayim]] without a beracha. <ref> Halacha Berura 4:47 </ref>


#It is permissible to say [[Modeh Ani]] before washing hands.<ref>Eliya Zuta 1:2, Mishna Brurah 1:8, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 1:2, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 1:5 </ref>
==Someone who stayed up all night==
#It is not permissible to learn Torah out load or to verbalize it before washing one's hands,<ref>Mishna Brurah 1:8, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 1:5, Yalkut Yosef 4:27 </ref> yet just thinking in Torah is allowed.<ref>Piskei Teshuvot 4:32. This is also implied by Shulchan Aruch HaRav 1:5.</ref> However, if one is going to miss the chance to make a bracha or answer amen one should just rub his hands against someone to clean them and say the bracha or answer amen. If one slept in pajamas it is unnecessary to even rub them in order to clean them.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 4:27. A similar idea is found in Eliyah Rabba 227:6, Mishna Brurah 227:10.</ref>
# If one slept less than 30 minutes <ref> Kitzur S”A 2:8, Dinei Nieyor Kol HaLaylah (pg 42) in name of Rav Chaim Kanievsky </ref> or slept in a temporary fashion (putting one’s head on the table, <ref>Ishei Yisrael 2:33 note 110, Piskei Teshuvot </ref>, or on a couch or chair) <ref> Halacha Berura 4:47 </ref> in the morning, one should wash without a Bracha. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 4:27, Ishei Yisrael 2:33, Birkei Yosef 4:5 </ref>  
#One should wash one's hands before walking four [[amot]].<ref>Mishna Brurah 1:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 2:1. See also Piskei Teshuvot 1:7 who writes that the minhag is that one should wash one's hands even before putting one's feet on the ground. </ref> However some are lenient in this regard.<ref>BeYitzchak Yikrah 1:2 comments that the tradition from the Gra that the Ruach Rah on hands was nullified with the death of Rabbi Avraham the Ger applies only to laws of the Zohar and not the Talmud Bavli and since this law is sourced in the Zohar, there is reason to be lenient. [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=1525&st=&pgnum=5&hilite= Rabbi Yitzchak Abadi (Or Yitzchak 1:1)] writes that Rav Aharon Kotler wasn't careful about washing within 4 amot of waking up and goes on to defend such a position.</ref>
# If one woke up and has in mind to go back to sleep, should wash without a Bracha and then when one wakes up the second time one should wash with a Bracha. <Ref> Piskei Teshuvot 1:6 writes that it’s preferable to wash when one wakes up the first time, however, it’s clear one doesn’t make a Bracha since one’s not ready to daven as in Beiur Halacha 4:1 s.v. Afilu. Halichot Shlomo ([[Tefillah]] pg 170) agrees. </ref>
#If the water is further than 4 [[Amot]] away some say that it is better to walk less than 4 [[amot]] at a time, while others say it is better to go there quickly if it is still in the same house.<ref>Mishna Brurah 1:2 </ref>
# If one woke up in the middle of the night and wants to take a drink, he should preferably wash his hands first, but if this is too difficult he can just wipe his hands on a blanket and then take the drink. <ref> Or Litzion 2:1:8 </ref>
##If a person sleeps in a bunkbed it is permissible to wash within 4 amot of the bed even if one will walk more than 4 amot going down the ladder and to the washing station.<ref>Chelkat Yakov OC 1:1</ref>
# If one woke up after [[Chatzot]], if one still needs to go to the bathroom before [[davening]], one shouldn’t make the Bracha of Al [[Netilat Yadayim]] until after one went to the bathroom and then it should be said together with [[Brachot HaShachar]], however, if one knows that one doesn’t need to go to the bathroom before [[Davening]], one should make the Bracha of [[Netilat Yadayim]] as close as possible to [[waking up]]. <Ref> Beiur Halacha 4:1 s.v. Afilu as ruling like the Chaye Adam, Ishei Yisrael 2:31, Dinei Nieyor Kol HaLaylah (pg 42), Halichot Olam 2:23, See Piskei Teshuvot 4:2 who writes that one can go like the Chaye Adam or like the Mekubalim </ref>
#It is permitted to get dressed prior to washing one’s hands.<ref>Yalkut Yosef (vol 1 pg 7), Sh”t Yabia Omer 5:1, Sh”t Otzrot Yosef 1:1 </ref>
# If one washed with a Bracha before [[Olot HaShachar]], one should wash again at Olot without a Bracha. <Ref> S”A 4:14, Mishna Brurah 4:31, Ishei Yisrael 2:31 </ref>
#It is preferable to be strict and not to walk more than 4 [[amot]] prior to [[Netilat Yadayim]].<ref>The Tolat Yacov (Seder [[Netilat Yadayim]]) quotes the Zohar saying that it is forbidden to walk 4 [[amot]] prior to washing [[Netilat Yadayim]]. (1) The Bach (beginning of 4) writes that S”A did not quote the Zohar because many people would not be able to fulfill the law. Sh”t Shevut Yaakov 3:1 defends the minhag by saying that either the entire law of the Zohar is not applicable since the Talmud Balvi argues on it, or that the entire house is considered within 4 [[amot]]. The Eliyah Rabba 1:4 argues on the Shevut Yaakov but defends the minhag by saying that perhaps the law does not apply nowadays. The Lechem Mishneh (Shevitat Esor 3:12) and Yam Shel Shlomo (Chullin 31)agree. (2) On the other hand the [[Chida]] (Birkei Yosef 1:1) writes that it is a serious Halacha, most people are strict about, therefore if the water is far away one should walk less than 4 [[amot]] at a time to get the water. So writes the Shalmei Tzibbur 18c, Chesed LeAlaphim 4:12, Ruach Chaim 4:1, and Petach Dvir 4:1. However, the Shaarei Teshuva 1:2 and Siddur Bet Ovad 6:3 argue that if the water is far away one should rush to get to the water as soon as one can. (3) In conclusion, Sh”t Otzrot Yosef 1:2 writes in the name of Rav Ovadyah Yosef that in cases of need, one may rely on the lenient opinions especially if one went to sleep after [[Chatzot]]. So too, Mishna Brurah 1:2 writes that one may rely on the Shevut Yaakov (that a house is like 4 [[amot]]) in cases of great need. Rav Mordechai Lebhar (Magen Avot, Orach Chaim 4:18) writes that many are lenient to assume that the whole house is like one's four amot, but scrupulous individuals are careful about this.</ref>
# If one wakes up before [[Chatzot]], one should wash without a Bracha, and then after Olot Hashachar one should dirty one’s hands (by touching a or by going to the bathroom) and then wash with a Bracha. <Ref>Beiur Halacha 4:13 s.v. Kol, Ishei Yisrael 2:32, Dinei Nieyor Kol HaLaylah (pg 41) </ref>
#One should not touch any foods before washing one's hands. If one did unintentionally, the food should be washed three times. If this is impossible, one should preferably refrain from eating it. If necessary though, one can eat it without washing it, because according to the letter of the law, the food is permitted.<ref>Mishna Brurah 4:14, Yalkut Yosef 4:35, Yabia Omer OC 4:1, Otzrot Yosef 1:10, Or LeTzion 2:1:4.
# If one stayed up all night, one should wash in the morning without a bracha. <ref>{{Ibid}}. The Shulchan Aruch (4:13) writes that there is a doubt whether one makes a Bracha on [[Netilat Yadayim]] on the morning after staying up all night. Similairly, the Rama ({{ibid}}) comments that one should do [[netilat Yadayim]] without a Bracha.
* Bet Yosef 4:5 clarifies that according to Rashi and Tur there's no issue with someone who didn't wash netilat yadayim to touch food and that's his opinion in Shulchan Aruch 4:5. However, the Bach 4:2, Taz 4:4, and Biur Hagra 4:4 argue with the Bet Yosef's understanding and say that someone who didn't wash netilat yadyaim should be very careful not to touch food.
* The source of the Shulchan Aruch's doubt is the dispute for doing [[Netilat Yadayim]] in the morning. The Rosh ([[Brachot]] 9:23) says because one's hands are "עסקניות" (literally busy) and they may have touched an unclean part of the body during one's sleep, it's an obligation to do [[Netilat Yadayim]] in the morning. As a support to his view that we wash our hands for cleanliness before [[prayer]] he quotes the pasuk from Tehilim (26:6) "אֶרְחַץ בְּנִקָּיוֹן כַּפָּי ". On the other hand, the Rashba (Teshuvat HaRashba 1:191) argues on the Rosh claiming that there is no source for the idea of the Rosh. Rather the reason is that we are purifying our hands for the whole day (theoretically even to cover washing before bread) and the reason that we do it specifically before [[Shacharit]] is that when we wake up in the morning it's as if we are created anew as it says in Eicha (3:23) חֲדָשִׁים לַבְּקָרִים רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶךָ.
* Chaye Adam 2:2 writes that one posek who was strict on food even after the fact. The Chaye Adam distinguishes between beer and other food and only beer is forbidden after the fact. However, Yabia Omer OC 4:1 cites the Tosefet Maaseh Rav n. 25 who quotes a story of the Gra where he said that they should throw out an apple that was touched before Netilat Yadayim after sleeping. This story indicates that there's no distinction between beer and other foods.</ref>
* A practical difference (explained by the Bet Yosef (4:13)) that emerges from the dispute is a case of a person that didn't go to sleep at night. According to the Rosh, since one didn't go to sleep there is no doubt that a person would have touched an unclean area and so, there's no need for [[Netilat Yadayim]]. On the other hand, the Rashba holds that since we are created new everyday we need [[Netilat Yadayim]] even if one didn't go to sleep that night. Another concern that compounds the doubt of the Shulchan Aruch is the aspect of רוח רעה that is mentioned by the Tur (4:1) and so, even according to the Rosh one should still need to do [[Netilat Yadayim]]. Nonetheless based on a quote from the Zohar (Vayishlach 169b), the Bet Yosef ({{ibid}}) argues that the issue of רוח רעה only applies to the nighttime.
#One can touch food by the use of a cloth intervening between one's hand and the food.<ref>Chaye Adam 2:2 cited by Yabia Omer 4:1</ref>
* Rav Ovadiah(Chazon Ovadiah, [[Shavuot]], note 25) mentions that even though the Maharsham (3:126) holds that one even makes a bracha on [[Netilat Yadayim]] of [[Birkat Cohanim]] and going to the bathroom; nevertheless, we don't hold like the Maharsham in this Halacha, says Rav Ovadiah Yosef.
#A person shouldn't touch sefarim before washing his hands.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 4:33</ref>
* The Mishna Brurah(4:27) adds that if one indeed went to sleep a שינת קבע (a substantial sleep) on his bed, then one makes [[netilat Yadayim]] with a Bracha.
#A person should not touch one's mouth, nose, ears, or eyes before washing hands in the morning.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 4:3. Halacha Brurah 4:23 says we're machmir not to even touch these areas even just the skin on the outside.</ref> If possible one shouldn't even touch one's eyelids before washing Netilat Yadayim.<ref>Mishna Brurah 4:12 writes that if possible one shouldn't even touch one's eyelids before washing Netilat Yadayim. The Chida in [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=7733&st=&pgnum=4 Shiurei Bracha 4:3] writes that although the Yavetz was lenient about touching the eyelids he is incorrect. The Sefer Chasidim 155 implies that it is an issue.</ref>
 
==When Does One Need to Wash Hands?==
 
#Before [[Shacharit]] or [[Mincha]] (specifically the [[Shmoneh Esrei]]) one should wash hands if there was a long interruption from the time of the original washing upon rising.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 92:5 writes that if there was an interruption between the washing upon rising in the morning and praying, one should wash one's hands if water is available. This is brought down in Yalkut Yosef (Tefilah pg 330). </ref>  If water is not available one does not need to wash one's hands, but only to rub them against something hard.<ref>Mishna Brurah 92:26 writes that since one cannot find water for Stam hands (they are in doubt as to their cleanliness) one does not need to wash them, but should rub them against that which cleanses them. </ref>
#If one touched an unclean part of the body or went to the bathroom, one must search and find water to wash one's hands without a bracha for [[Shmoneh Esrei]].<ref>Mishna Brurah 92:27 writes that this applies only if one has Stam hands(they are in doubt as to their cleanliness). Shulchan Aruch is lenient and states one does not have to search for water if it is not around, however if there is a certain impurity such as if one touched an unclean area or went to the bathroom, one certainly must wash hands. Kaf Hachayim 4:86 writes that if one is in the middle of the [[Shmoneh Esrei]] and one realizes one touched something that would obligate one to wash, one should just wipe one's hands on "midi diminakei" such as one's clothes, wood, or stone. </ref>
#However, in order to say [[Brachot]], [[Kriyat Shema]], or learn Torah one does not need to wash one's hands.<ref>Mishna Brurah 92:25 writes that implied in the Shulchan Aruch is, that not only does [[Shmoneh Esrei]] require clean hands, but for [[learning Torah]], [[Kriyat Shema]] or [[Brachot]] Stam hands (they are in doubt, they are not certainly clean or unclean) are sufficient. However, Mishna Brurah also quotes the Pri Megadim 4, who writes that [[Kriyat Shema]] does need washed hands. </ref>
#If one slept in a bed during the day, one should wash [[Netilat Yadayim]] without a bracha.<ref>Halacha Brurah 4:47 </ref>
 
==Someone Who Stayed up All Night==
 
#If one slept less than 30 minutes <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 2:8, Or Letzion 2:1:7, Dinei Nieyor Kol HaLaylah (pg 42) in name of Rav Chaim Kanievsky</ref> or slept in a temporary fashion (putting one’s head on a table,<ref>Ishei Yisrael 2:33 note 110, Piskei Teshuvot </ref>, or slept on a couch or chair) <ref>Halacha Brurah 4:47 </ref> one should wash without a bracha upon awakening.<ref>Mishna Brurah 4:27, Ishei Yisrael 2:33, Birkei Yosef 4:5 </ref>
#If one stayed up all night, one should wash in the morning without a bracha.<ref>The Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 4:13 writes that there is a doubt whether one makes a bracha on [[Netilat Yadayim]] the morning after staying up all night. Similarly, the Rama (4:13) comments that one should do [[Netilat Yadayim]] without a bracha.
 
*The source of the Shulchan Aruch's doubt is the dispute for doing [[Netilat Yadayim]] in the morning. The Rosh ([[Brachot]] 9:23) says because one's hands are "עסקניות" (literally busy) and they may have touched an unclean part of the body during one's sleep, one is obligated to do [[Netilat Yadayim]] in the morning. To support to his view, that we wash our hands for cleanliness before [[prayer]], he quotes the pasuk from Tehilim 26:6 "אֶרְחַץ בְּנִקָּיוֹן כַּפָּי ". On the other hand, the Rashba (Teshuvat HaRashba 1:191) argues on the Rosh claiming that there is no source for the idea of the Rosh. Rather the reason is that we are purifying our hands for the whole day (theoretically even to cover washing before bread) and the reason that we do it specifically before [[Shacharit]] is that when we wake up in the morning it is as if we are created anew as it says in Eicha 3:23 חֲדָשִׁים לַבְּקָרִים רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶךָ.
*A practical difference (explained by the Bet Yosef 4:13) that emerges from this dispute would be the case of a person who did not go to sleep at night. According to the Rosh, since one did not go to sleep there is no doubt that as to whether a person touched an unclean area and so, there is no need for [[Netilat Yadayim]]. On the other hand, the Rashba holds that since we are created new everyday we need [[Netilat Yadayim]] even if one did not go to sleep that night. Another concern that compounds the doubt of the Shulchan Aruch is the aspect of רוח רעה that is mentioned by the Tur (4:1), taking that into consideration even according to the Rosh one should still need to do [[Netilat Yadayim]]. Though based on a quote from the Zohar (Vayishlach 169b), the Bet Yosef ({{ibid}}) argues that the issue of רוח רעה only applies to the nighttime.
*Rav Ovadiah (Chazon Ovadiah, [[Shavuot]], note 25) mentions that even though the Maharsham (3:126) holds that one even makes a bracha on [[Netilat Yadayim]] of [[Birkat Cohanim]] and going to the bathroom, we do not hold like the Maharsham in this Halacha.
*The Mishna Brurah (4:27) adds that if one indeed went to sleep and had a שינת קבע (a substantial sleep) on one's bed, then one makes [[Netilat Yadayim]] with a bracha.
</ref>
</ref>


==Someone Who Got Up in the Middle of the Night==
==When to make the bracha==
# If a person wakes up in the middle of the night, wants to get up for some time and then go back to sleep, he should wash his hands without a bracha and then when one wakes up the second time to start his day he should wash with a bracha.<ref>Piskei Teshuvot 1:6 writes that it is preferable to wash when one wakes up the first time, however, one shouldn't recite a bracha since one is not ready to daven as in Beiur Halacha 4:1 s.v. Afilu. Halichot Shlomo ([[Tefillah]] pg 170) and Yalkut Yosef 4:25 agree. </ref> Some say if it's after [[Chatzot]] and he wants to learn or recite [[Tikkun Chatzot]], he should recite all Birkot HaShachar including Netilat Yadayim now, learn, and not recite them when he wakes up again later.<ref>Or Letzion 2:1:2</ref>
# The minhag is to make the Bracha of Al Netilat Yadiyim between washing and drying one’s hands. <Ref> S”A 158:11 writes that the Bracha of [[Netilat Yadayim]] is like most other [[Brachot]] that have to be made prior to completing the mitzvah. Therefore concludes S”A the practice is to rub one’s hands to clean them (so one can make the Bracha), then make the Bracha prior to washing. However, Mishna Brurah 158:41 writes that the minhag of the world is to make the Bracha after washing but before drying like the Rama writes is permissible. </ref>
# If one wakes up in the middle of the night and wants to take a drink, one should preferably wash one's hands first, but if this is too difficult one can just wipe one's hands on a blanket or one's clothing and then recite the bracha to have the drink.<ref>If someone wakes up in the middle of the night do they have to wash netilat yadayim? Eshel Avraham 4:1 s.v. mmori is lenient if one wakes up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom that he doesn't have to wash netilat yadayim before walking 4 amot since one is planning on going back to sleep. Torat Yekutiel 1:1:2 writes that one can rely on the Eshel Avraham 4:1 even if it isn't an extenuating circumstance but someone with Yirat Hashem shouldn't be lenient unless it is an extenuating circumstance. Piskei Teshuvot 1:6 quotes this and suggests that the Mishna Brurah agrees that there's no obligation unless one is planning on staying up. However, the [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=20945&st=&pgnum=112 Zachor Lavraham 1:50], Kaf Hachaim 1:7 and 4:4, and Mishmeret Shalom 1:3 (all cited by Yabia Omer OC 4:2:13) argue with the Eshel Avraham.
# If one forgot to make the Bracha of Al [[Netilat Yadayim]] before drying one’s hands, according to Ashekazim one is permitted to make a Bracha of [[Netilat Yadayim]] until one makes the [[Hamotzei]]. However, Sephardim hold that once one’s hands are totally dry one may not make the Bracha. <Ref> Rama 158:11 writes that if one forgot to make a Bracha before drying one’s hand one can make the Bracha after drying. Mishna Brurah 158:44 supports the Rama by saying that [[Netilat Yadayim]] is different than other [[Brachot]] and may be made after the mitzvah is completed. Mishna Brurah writes that even though the Taz forbids making the Bracha after drying hands, since most achronim hold like the Rama one should act according to the Rama, but one should be careful to avoid such a situation. For Sephardim Ben Ish Chai Shemini:Halacha 7 and Chacham Ovadia Yosef in Halichot Olam 1:page 317 rule that once you dry your hands you can no longer make the beracha. </ref>
* Shulchan Aruch O.C. 4:23 writes that if a person went to sleep with pajamas he can recite brachot hashachar without first washing netilat yadayim. This is based on the Rosh Brachot 9:23, Rashba responsa 1:153, and Rambam Tefillah 7:3-4. Aruch Hashulchan 4:20 accepts Shulchan Aruch. However, the Birkei Yosef 4:8 argues that according to the Zohar 1:10b it is forbidden to recite brachot without netilat yadyaim since there's a ruach raah on one's hands. Shaarei Teshuva 4:30 and Mishna Brurah 4:61 cite the Zohar. Mishna Brurah 4:61 concludes that one should be strict if one has water. Or Letzion 2:1:8 writes that if it is difficult to do netilat yadayim it is permitted to make a bracha in order to drink without washing one's hands. He explains that one can rely on Shulchan Aruch in such a case. Yabia Omer O.C. 4:2 and Yalkut Yosef 4:24 agree. He explains that one should first rub one's hands against something that would clean them such as one's blanket before reciting the bracha. </ref>
==Interruptions (Chatzitza) Between the Hand and Water==
# If one gets up in the middle of the night and one can't wash one's hands with wash one shouldn't waste the time but can learn after he rubs them against something to clean them.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Harav Mehudra Tinyana 1:7 writes that one shouldn't be strict for the Zohar to learn before washing one's hands if it'll lead to bitul torah. Mishna Brurah 1:2 and Piksei Teshuvot 4:32 agree.</ref>
#Anything that is considered an interruption between the body and water for tevilla is also for [[netilat yadayim]]. The two qualifications that would make it interrupt are that 1. that it covers most of the skin. 2. that it is something you don't want to always be there. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 161:1 based on gemara chullin 106b. </ref>
# If a person woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom or do work and is planning on going back to sleep if doing netilat yadayim at that time will wake up people in his house he can rely on those who are lenient not to wash as long as one is going to go back to sleep.<ref> Shraga Hameir 3:103 quotes poskim who are lenient such as the Eshel Avraham not to require netilat yadayim if one is planning on going back to sleep and he implies that one can be lenient if it'll wake up his wife. Piksei Teshuvot 1 fnt. 41 quotes this as a leniency and elaborates upon it.</ref>
#Most poskim hold that a ring should be removed, <ref> Shulchan Aruch 161:3, Mishna Brurah 161:17, Iggeros Chazon Ish 1:4. The Rama 161:3 adds that even thoguh some are meikil if the ring is loose, one should be machmir even though water could get through. Kaf Hachayim 161:32 says that if you have an expensive ring that you are afraid to remove, then you can first pour a [[Revi'it]] of water on the right hand where the ring is, then move the ring a little and pour again, but when you move the ring it has to be with a hand that’s already been washed. Rav Chaim Kanievsky (Daad Note 251 footnote 249 says that this requirement to remove the ring is only for washing for a meal, and therefore if the ring is loose you wouldn't need to remove it for the morning [[netilat yadayim]]. According to Mishnah Berurah 161:19, Aruch ha-Shulchan 161:6, and Shu"t Rivevos Ephraim Vol. 1 Siman 127 if someone doesn't remove their ring for anything, then they also wouldn't have to for [[netilat yadayim]]. </ref> but if a loose ting wasn't removed you don't need to repeat the washing. <ref> Mishna Brurah 161:18 </ref>
 
#One should remove the dirt under his nails before washing his hands. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Kedoshim 24. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 161:4 and Kaf HaChaim 161:4 say that this is only for dirt that is bothersome to somebody and he would usually remove it. </ref>
==Someone Who Wakes Up Very Early==
# If a person has a something that cannot be removed covering his hand (a cast), he should wash the hand hand three times and make the beracha as usual. <ref> Yechave Daat 2:19, Kaf Hachayim 158:4. Aruch Hashulchan 163:2 says that the beracha should not be recited when only one hand is washed even if for a permissible reason. </ref>
 
#If one wakes up after [[Chatzot]], and one will still need to go to the bathroom before [[davening]], one should not make the bracha of Al [[Netilat Yadayim]] until after one went to the bathroom before davening. It should then be said together with [[Birchot HaShachar]], however, if one knows that one will not need to go to the bathroom before [[davening]], one should make the bracha of [[Netilat Yadayim]] as close as possible to [[waking up]] even before Olot Hashachar.<ref>Beiur Halacha 4:1 s.v. Afilu as ruling like the Chaye Adam, Ishei Yisrael 2:31, Dinei Nieyor Kol HaLaylah (pg 42), Halichot Olam 2:23, See Piskei Teshuvot 4:2 who writes that it is both legitimate to hold and practice like either the Chaye Adam or like the Mekubalim. </ref>
#If one washed with a bracha before [[Olot HaShachar]] (as described in previous halacha), one should wash again at [[Olot HaShachar]] without a bracha.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 4:14, Mishna Brurah 4:31, Yalkut Yosef 4:11, Ishei Yisrael 2:31, Zachor LAvraham 1:50 </ref>
#If one wakes up before [[Chatzot]], one should wash then without a bracha, and then after Olot Hashachar one should dirty one’s hands (by touching an unclean area, scratching one's head or by going to the bathroom) and then wash with a bracha.<ref>Beiur Halacha 4:13 s.v. Kol, Ishei Yisrael 2:32, Dinei Nieyor Kol HaLaylah (pg 41) </ref>
 
==When to Recite the Bracha==
 
#One should recite the bracha immediately after washing one's hands prior to drying them.<ref>Mishna Brurah 6:2 writes that one should recite the bracha prior to drying one's hands, however, some are strict to recite the bracha only after drying them. The Ben Ish Chai (Toldot no. 5) says that the Sephardi minhag is to recite the bracha prior to drying one's hands. Yalkut Yosef 4:19 and Kaf HaChaim 4:8 agree.</ref>
#Some have the custom to wait until going to shul to make the bracha of netilat yadayim. Sephardim do not have this minhag. In any case, one should not make the bracha twice, once upon both waking up and once going to shul.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 6:2 </ref>
 
==If There is Something on One's Hands==
See the [[Chatzitza for Netilat Yadayim]] page.
# Some say that the halachot of chatzitza are the same for Netilat Yadayim upon waking up as they are for Netilat Yadayim for a meal, while others hold that they are more lenient.<ref>Eshel Avraham 343:1 writes that there's not as much of an issue of chatzitza with the netilat yadayim when you wake up since one's hands aren't dirty in the area that was covered by a chatzitza. Dirshu 4:27 cites Shulchan Aruch Harav in the Siddur and Chazon Ish Igrot 1:4 who are strict to remove chatzitzot before netilat yadayim in the morning.</ref>
 
==Who Is Obligated==


# Women are equally obligated as men to wash [[Netilat Yadayim]] in the morning.<ref>Pri Megadim (M"Z 4:7), Mishna Brurah 4:10, Kaf Hachayim 4:20, Yalkut Yosef 4:15, and Halacha Brurah 4:21. Kaf HaChaim points out that in fact, women may have a greater obligation because they have more control over the purity of their houses since they prepare the food and feed the children. </ref>
==Who is Obligated==
{{Children Washing Netilat Yadayim upon Waking Up}}
# Women are equally obligated to wash [[netilat yadayim]]. <ref> Pri Megadim (M"Z 4:7), Mishna Brurah 4:10, Kaf Hachayim 4:20, and Halacha Brurah 4:21. Kaf HaChaim points out that in fact, women may have a greater obligation because they have more control over the purity of their houses since they prepare the food and feed the children. </ref>
# There is a difference of opinions when a child should be taught to wash his hands in the morning. Some say that a child of 5 or 6 should be taught, while others say that once the child is able to eat on his own should taught. <ref>
*Shulchan Aruch Harav 4:2, Eishel Avraham OC 4, and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach in Halichot Shlomo 20:25 say that the obligation for children to wash begins at the age of [[chinuch]] for other mitzvot which is approximately 5 or 6.
*Mishna Brurah 4:10 (based on Pri Megadim 7) says the obligation begins at the time when the child begins to eat on his own.
*Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky in Emet LeYacov 4:10 says that it begins when a child is old enough to say [[amen]] to a beracha or recite a pasuk in torah.
*The Kaf Hachayim 4:23 and Ben Ish Chai (Toldot #10) say that even a newborn's hands should be washed by his parents. See further [http://torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5766/lechlecha.html Rabbi Neustadt at torah.org]</ref>


==Sources==
==Sources==
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[[Category:Netilat Yadayim]]
[[Category:Netilat Yadayim]]
[[Category:Orach Chaim]]
[[Category:Orach Chaim]]

Revision as of 20:06, 22 June 2014

When one wakes up in the morning there is a mitzvah to wash one's hands 3 times with a cup. The details of when and how it should be done are described below:

Procedure for Washing One's Hands

  1. One should wash with a cup or some sort of vessel. [1] If there is no cup, according to Ashkenazim, if one is in an extenuating circumstance and one wants to pray, one may wash without a cup, with a bracha, however, according to Sephardim, if one washes without a cup, such as if one washes directly from the faucet, one shouldn't make a beracha. [2]
  2. One should wash up to one's wrists. If there's not enough water, it is sufficient to wash up to one's major knuckles (where the finger connects to the hand). [3]
  3. One should wash one's right hand first, then one's left, and repeat this process two more times so that one washes each hand 3 times. Some say one should wash each hand 4 times. [4]
  4. Before pouring the water the filled vessel should be picked up with the right hand and passed to the left hand. [5]
  5. Even a lefty should begin to wash his right hand first.[6]
  6. One may not derive benefit from the water that one washed one's hands with.[7]

When should one wash one's hands?

  1. One should wash one's hands immediately after one's recitation of Mode/Moda Ani. [8]
  2. According to Ashkenazim, if one needs to go to the bathroom upon waking up and after going to the bathroom one will be ready for davening, one should wash without a bracha upon waking up and after having gone to the bathroom wash again with the bracha of Al Netilat Yadayim. [9]
  3. According to Ashkenazim, if after having gone to the bathroom one will still not be ready for davening and will have to go to the bathroom another time before davening (as is common when one wakes up a long time before davening), according to Ashkenazim, one should wash without a bracha upon waking up, wash a second time without a bracha after having gone to the bathroom the first time, and then wash a third time with a bracha of Al Netilat Yadayim when one is ready for davening after having gone to the bathroom a second time. Some say that one doesn't need to wash before going to the bathroom and also that after having gone to the bathroom one should wash without a cup and without the bracha, and then when one is ready for davening one should wash again using a cup and make the bracha. [10]
  4. According to Sephardim, one may get dressed, go to the bathroom, and then wash and make the bracha of Al Netilat Yadayim. However, it's preferable upon waking up to wash without a bracha and then after having gone to the bathroom to wash again with a Bracha unless one has an urgent need to go to the bathroom in which case one should go to the bathroom before washing one's hands. [11]

What is permissible before washing hands?

  1. It is permissible to say Modeh Ani before washing hands. [12]
  2. It's not permissible to learn or even think Torah before washing one's hands. [13]
  3. One should wash one's hands before walking 4 amot. [14] However some are lenient in this regard. [15]
  4. If the water if further than 4 Amot some say that it's better to walk less than 4 amot at a time while others say it's better to go there quickly if it's still in the same house. [16]
  5. It’s permitted to get dressed prior to washing one’s hands. [17]
  6. One shouldn't touch any foods before washing his hands. If he did unintentionally, the food should be washed three times. If this is impossible, one should preferably refrain from eating it. If necessary though, one can eat it without washing it. [18]

Walking 4 amot prior to Netilat Yadayim

  1. It's preferable that one is strict not to walk more than 4 amot prior to Netilat Yadayim. [19]

When does one need to wash hands?

  1. Before Shacharit or Mincha (specifically the Shemoneh Esrei) one should wash hands if one had a long interruption between the original washing upon rising. [20] If water isn't available one doesn't need to wash one's hands, but only to rub it upon something hard. [21]
  2. If one actually touched a unclean part of the body or went to the bathroom, one must search and find water to wash hands for Shemoneh Esrei. [22]
  3. However, just to say Brachot, Kriyat Shema, or learn Torah one doesn't need to wash hands. [23]
  4. If someone slept in a bed during the day, he should wash netilat yadayim without a beracha. [24]

Someone who stayed up all night

  1. If one slept less than 30 minutes [25] or slept in a temporary fashion (putting one’s head on the table, [26], or on a couch or chair) [27] in the morning, one should wash without a Bracha. [28]
  2. If one woke up and has in mind to go back to sleep, should wash without a Bracha and then when one wakes up the second time one should wash with a Bracha. [29]
  3. If one woke up in the middle of the night and wants to take a drink, he should preferably wash his hands first, but if this is too difficult he can just wipe his hands on a blanket and then take the drink. [30]
  4. If one woke up after Chatzot, if one still needs to go to the bathroom before davening, one shouldn’t make the Bracha of Al Netilat Yadayim until after one went to the bathroom and then it should be said together with Brachot HaShachar, however, if one knows that one doesn’t need to go to the bathroom before Davening, one should make the Bracha of Netilat Yadayim as close as possible to waking up. [31]
  5. If one washed with a Bracha before Olot HaShachar, one should wash again at Olot without a Bracha. [32]
  6. If one wakes up before Chatzot, one should wash without a Bracha, and then after Olot Hashachar one should dirty one’s hands (by touching a or by going to the bathroom) and then wash with a Bracha. [33]
  7. If one stayed up all night, one should wash in the morning without a bracha. [34]

When to make the bracha

  1. The minhag is to make the Bracha of Al Netilat Yadiyim between washing and drying one’s hands. [35]
  2. If one forgot to make the Bracha of Al Netilat Yadayim before drying one’s hands, according to Ashekazim one is permitted to make a Bracha of Netilat Yadayim until one makes the Hamotzei. However, Sephardim hold that once one’s hands are totally dry one may not make the Bracha. [36]

Interruptions (Chatzitza) Between the Hand and Water

  1. Anything that is considered an interruption between the body and water for tevilla is also for netilat yadayim. The two qualifications that would make it interrupt are that 1. that it covers most of the skin. 2. that it is something you don't want to always be there. [37]
  2. Most poskim hold that a ring should be removed, [38] but if a loose ting wasn't removed you don't need to repeat the washing. [39]
  3. One should remove the dirt under his nails before washing his hands. [40]
  4. If a person has a something that cannot be removed covering his hand (a cast), he should wash the hand hand three times and make the beracha as usual. [41]

Who is Obligated

  1. Women are equally obligated to wash netilat yadayim. [42]
  2. There is a difference of opinions when a child should be taught to wash his hands in the morning. Some say that a child of 5 or 6 should be taught, while others say that once the child is able to eat on his own should taught. [43]

Sources

  1. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 4:7, Kitzur S"A 2:4, Mishna Brurah 4:15.
  2. ↑ Kitzur S"A 2:6 writes that in an extenuating circumstance when there's no cup available and one wants to pray one should wash without a cup with a bracha. However, Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments on Kitzur S"A 2:9) writes that if one washes without a cup one shouldn't make the bracha. Halacha Berura 4:12 also writes that if one washes from the faucet one shouldn't make the bracha.
  3. ↑ Mishna Brurah 4:9 writes that one should wash up to one's wrists and if there's not enough water, it is sufficient to wash up to one's knuckles. Kitzur S"A 2:3 agrees. Ben Ish Chai (Parashat Toldot #2) writes that one must wash until one's wrists except for on Yom Kippur and Tisha BeAv when it is sufficient to wash up to one's knuckles.
  4. ↑ Mishna Brurah 4:9
  5. ↑ Ben Ish Hai, Toledot, Halacha 1; Kaf HaChaim 4:12
  6. ↑ Kaf HaChaim 4:35, Artzot HaChaim 4:10, Halacha Brurah 4:22
  7. ↑ Kitzur S"A 2:4
  8. ↑ S"A 4:1
  9. ↑ Magan Avraham 4:1 quotes the Ketavim as saying that one should wash with the bracha and then go to the bathroom, however, the Magen Avraham writes that he feels that it's preferable to wash with after going to the bathroom. He adds that if one needs to go to the bathroom, then it's forbidden to wash with a bracha before going to the bathroom. The Kitzur S"A 2:7 and Mishna Brurah 4:4 agree with the Magen Avraham that one should wash with a bracha after going to the bathroom, but they add that one should also wash without a bracha before going to the bathroom.
  10. ↑
    • If one is not going to be ready for davening after having gone to the bathroom the first time, the Beiur Halacha (4:1 s.v. Afliu) presents two opinions about when it is preferable to wash one's hands with the bracha of Al Netilat Yadayim. The Chaye Adam holds that it's preferable to wash without a bracha upon waking up and when one's ready for davening to wash again with the bracha, while the Shaarei Teshuva holds that one should wash with the bracha after going to the bathroom even if one isn't totally ready for davening. The Beiur Halacha rules like the Chaye Adam that upon waking up one should wash without a bracha and when one is ready for davening to wash again with the bracha.
    • Rav Shlomo Zalman (quoted in Halichot Shlomo (Tefilla 2:23, pg 23)) rules like the Chaye Adam and states when one is washing one's hands after having gone to the bathroom in the morning if one knows that one will need to go to the bathroom again before Davening, the first time one should wash without a bracha and after going to the bathroom the second time when one is ready for davening one should wash with the bracha.
    • Rav Mordechai Willig in Am Mordechai (Brachot, Siman 11, pg 45-8) writes that one should go to the bathroom, wash without a cup, and then when one is ready for davening wash again with a cup and make the bracha of Al Netilat Yadayim.
  11. ↑ Yalkut Yosef (vol 1, pg 384). Rav Ovadia Yosef in Halichot Olam (v. 1, p. 32) disagrees with the Ben Ish Chai (Toldot #6) who says that one shouldn't touch one's clothes before Netilat Yadayim. This is quoted by Rabbi Mansour on dailyhalacha.com. Halacha Brurah 4:4 writes that if one needs to go to the bathroom one should first go to the bathroom and then wash one's hands with a Bracha of Al Netilat Yadayim. However, some are strict to wash twice, once before going to the bathroom and once afterward and only make the bracha the second time. If the need to go to the bathroom is urgent then certainly one should go to the bathroom and only wash afterwards.
  12. ↑ Mishna Brurah 1:8, Kitzur S"A 1:2, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 1:6
  13. ↑ Mishna Brurah 1:8, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 1:6
  14. ↑ Mishna Brurah 1:1, Kitzur S"A 2:1. See also Piskei Teshuvot 1:7 who writes that the minhag is that one should wash one's hands even before putting one's feet on the ground.
  15. ↑ BeYitzchak Yikrah 1:2 comments that the tradition from the Gra that the Ruach Rah on hands was nullified with the death of Rabbi Avraham the Ger applies only to laws of the Zohar and not the Talmud Bavli and since this law is sourced in the Zohar, there is what to be lenient.
  16. ↑ Mishna Brurah 1:2
  17. ↑ Yalkut Yosef (vol 1 pg 7), Sh”t Yabia Omer 5:1, Sh”t Otzrot Yosef 1:1
  18. ↑ Yabia Omer 4:1, Otzrot Yosef 1:10
  19. ↑ The Tolat Yacov (Seder Netilat Yadayim) quotes the Zohar saying that it’s forbidden to walk 4 amot prior to washing Netilat Yadayim. (1) The Bach (beginning of 4) writes that S”A didn’t quote the Zohar because many people wouldn’t be able to fulfill the law. Sh”t Shevut Yacov 3:1 defends the minhag by saying that either the entire law of the Zohar isn’t applicable since the Talmud Balvi argues on it, or that the entire house is considered within 4 amot. The Eliyah Rabba 1:4 argues on the Shevut Yacov but defends the minhag by saying that perhaps the law doesn’t apply nowadays. So writes the Lechem Mishna (Shevitat Esor 3:12) and Yam Shel Shlomo (Chullin 31). (2) On the other hand, the Chida (Birkei Yosef 1:1) writes that it’s a serious halacha, most are strict about it, and if the water is far away one should walk less than 4 amot at a time to get the water. So writes the Shalmei Tzibbur 18c, Chesed LeAlaphim 4:12, Ruach Chaim 4:1, and Petach Dvir 4:1. However, the Shaarei Teshuva 1:2 and Siddur Bet Ovad 6:3 argue that if the water is far away one should rush to get to the water as soon as one can. (3) In conclusion, Sh”t Otzrot Yosef 1:2 writes in name of Rav Ovadyah Yosef that in cases of need one may rely on the lenient opinions especially if one went to sleep after chatzot. So too, Mishna Brurah 1:2 writes that one may rely on the Shevut Yacov (that a house is like 4 amot) in cases of great need.
  20. ↑ S"A 92:5 writes that if there was an interruption between the washing upon rising in the morning and praying, one should wash hands if water is available. This is brought down in Yalkut Yosef (Tefilah pg 330).
  21. ↑ Mishna Brurah 92:26 writes that since one can't find water for Stam hands one doesn't need to wash them, but only to rub them against something that can clean them.
  22. ↑ Mishna Brurah 92:27 writes that only if one has Stam hands S"A is lenient that one doesn't have to search for water if it isn't around, however if there is a certain impurity such as if one touched an unclean area or went to the bathroom, one certainly must wash hands. Kaf Hachayim 4:86 writes that if he's in the middle of the shemoneh esrei and he realized that he touched something that would obligate him to wash, he should just wipe his hands on "midi diminakei" such as his clothes, wood, or stone.
  23. ↑ Mishna Brurah 92:25 writes that implied from S"A is that only does Shemoneh Esrei need clean hands but for learning Torah, Kriyat Shema or Brachot stam (they are in doubt, they aren't certainly clean or unclean) are sufficient. However, Mishna Brurah also quotes the Pri Megadim 4 writes that Kriyat Shema does need washed hands.
  24. ↑ Halacha Berura 4:47
  25. ↑ Kitzur S”A 2:8, Dinei Nieyor Kol HaLaylah (pg 42) in name of Rav Chaim Kanievsky
  26. ↑ Ishei Yisrael 2:33 note 110, Piskei Teshuvot
  27. ↑ Halacha Berura 4:47
  28. ↑ Mishna Brurah 4:27, Ishei Yisrael 2:33, Birkei Yosef 4:5
  29. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 1:6 writes that it’s preferable to wash when one wakes up the first time, however, it’s clear one doesn’t make a Bracha since one’s not ready to daven as in Beiur Halacha 4:1 s.v. Afilu. Halichot Shlomo (Tefillah pg 170) agrees.
  30. ↑ Or Litzion 2:1:8
  31. ↑ Beiur Halacha 4:1 s.v. Afilu as ruling like the Chaye Adam, Ishei Yisrael 2:31, Dinei Nieyor Kol HaLaylah (pg 42), Halichot Olam 2:23, See Piskei Teshuvot 4:2 who writes that one can go like the Chaye Adam or like the Mekubalim
  32. ↑ S”A 4:14, Mishna Brurah 4:31, Ishei Yisrael 2:31
  33. ↑ Beiur Halacha 4:13 s.v. Kol, Ishei Yisrael 2:32, Dinei Nieyor Kol HaLaylah (pg 41)
  34. ↑ Ibid. The Shulchan Aruch (4:13) writes that there is a doubt whether one makes a Bracha on Netilat Yadayim on the morning after staying up all night. Similairly, the Rama ( Ibid) comments that one should do netilat Yadayim without a Bracha.
    • The source of the Shulchan Aruch's doubt is the dispute for doing Netilat Yadayim in the morning. The Rosh (Brachot 9:23) says because one's hands are "עסקניות" (literally busy) and they may have touched an unclean part of the body during one's sleep, it's an obligation to do Netilat Yadayim in the morning. As a support to his view that we wash our hands for cleanliness before prayer he quotes the pasuk from Tehilim (26:6) "אֶרְחַץ בְּנִקָּיוֹן כַּפָּי ". On the other hand, the Rashba (Teshuvat HaRashba 1:191) argues on the Rosh claiming that there is no source for the idea of the Rosh. Rather the reason is that we are purifying our hands for the whole day (theoretically even to cover washing before bread) and the reason that we do it specifically before Shacharit is that when we wake up in the morning it's as if we are created anew as it says in Eicha (3:23) חֲדָשִׁים לַבְּקָרִים רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶךָ.
    • A practical difference (explained by the Bet Yosef (4:13)) that emerges from the dispute is a case of a person that didn't go to sleep at night. According to the Rosh, since one didn't go to sleep there is no doubt that a person would have touched an unclean area and so, there's no need for Netilat Yadayim. On the other hand, the Rashba holds that since we are created new everyday we need Netilat Yadayim even if one didn't go to sleep that night. Another concern that compounds the doubt of the Shulchan Aruch is the aspect of רוח רעה that is mentioned by the Tur (4:1) and so, even according to the Rosh one should still need to do Netilat Yadayim. Nonetheless based on a quote from the Zohar (Vayishlach 169b), the Bet Yosef ( Ibid) argues that the issue of רוח רעה only applies to the nighttime.
    • Rav Ovadiah(Chazon Ovadiah, Shavuot, note 25) mentions that even though the Maharsham (3:126) holds that one even makes a bracha on Netilat Yadayim of Birkat Cohanim and going to the bathroom; nevertheless, we don't hold like the Maharsham in this Halacha, says Rav Ovadiah Yosef.
    • The Mishna Brurah(4:27) adds that if one indeed went to sleep a שינת קבע (a substantial sleep) on his bed, then one makes netilat Yadayim with a Bracha.
  35. ↑ S”A 158:11 writes that the Bracha of Netilat Yadayim is like most other Brachot that have to be made prior to completing the mitzvah. Therefore concludes S”A the practice is to rub one’s hands to clean them (so one can make the Bracha), then make the Bracha prior to washing. However, Mishna Brurah 158:41 writes that the minhag of the world is to make the Bracha after washing but before drying like the Rama writes is permissible.
  36. ↑ Rama 158:11 writes that if one forgot to make a Bracha before drying one’s hand one can make the Bracha after drying. Mishna Brurah 158:44 supports the Rama by saying that Netilat Yadayim is different than other Brachot and may be made after the mitzvah is completed. Mishna Brurah writes that even though the Taz forbids making the Bracha after drying hands, since most achronim hold like the Rama one should act according to the Rama, but one should be careful to avoid such a situation. For Sephardim Ben Ish Chai Shemini:Halacha 7 and Chacham Ovadia Yosef in Halichot Olam 1:page 317 rule that once you dry your hands you can no longer make the beracha.
  37. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 161:1 based on gemara chullin 106b.
  38. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 161:3, Mishna Brurah 161:17, Iggeros Chazon Ish 1:4. The Rama 161:3 adds that even thoguh some are meikil if the ring is loose, one should be machmir even though water could get through. Kaf Hachayim 161:32 says that if you have an expensive ring that you are afraid to remove, then you can first pour a Revi'it of water on the right hand where the ring is, then move the ring a little and pour again, but when you move the ring it has to be with a hand that’s already been washed. Rav Chaim Kanievsky (Daad Note 251 footnote 249 says that this requirement to remove the ring is only for washing for a meal, and therefore if the ring is loose you wouldn't need to remove it for the morning netilat yadayim. According to Mishnah Berurah 161:19, Aruch ha-Shulchan 161:6, and Shu"t Rivevos Ephraim Vol. 1 Siman 127 if someone doesn't remove their ring for anything, then they also wouldn't have to for netilat yadayim.
  39. ↑ Mishna Brurah 161:18
  40. ↑ Ben Ish Chai Kedoshim 24. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 161:4 and Kaf HaChaim 161:4 say that this is only for dirt that is bothersome to somebody and he would usually remove it.
  41. ↑ Yechave Daat 2:19, Kaf Hachayim 158:4. Aruch Hashulchan 163:2 says that the beracha should not be recited when only one hand is washed even if for a permissible reason.
  42. ↑ Pri Megadim (M"Z 4:7), Mishna Brurah 4:10, Kaf Hachayim 4:20, and Halacha Brurah 4:21. Kaf HaChaim points out that in fact, women may have a greater obligation because they have more control over the purity of their houses since they prepare the food and feed the children.
  43. ↑
    • Shulchan Aruch Harav 4:2, Eishel Avraham OC 4, and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach in Halichot Shlomo 20:25 say that the obligation for children to wash begins at the age of chinuch for other mitzvot which is approximately 5 or 6.
    • Mishna Brurah 4:10 (based on Pri Megadim 7) says the obligation begins at the time when the child begins to eat on his own.
    • Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky in Emet LeYacov 4:10 says that it begins when a child is old enough to say amen to a beracha or recite a pasuk in torah.
    • The Kaf Hachayim 4:23 and Ben Ish Chai (Toldot #10) say that even a newborn's hands should be washed by his parents. See further Rabbi Neustadt at torah.org
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