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Mayim Achronim: Difference between revisions
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==Who is obligated?== | ==Who is obligated?== | ||
# Women are obligated in Mayim Achronim. <Ref> Torah Chaim Sofer 181:1, Shalmat Chaim 119, Halichot Olam vol 2 Shalach 1, | # Women are obligated in Mayim Achronim. <Ref> Torah Chaim Sofer 181:1, Shalmat Chaim 119, Rav Ovadyah Yosef in Halichot Olam (vol 2 Shalach 1), Hilchot Bat Yisrael (pg 59) in the name of Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurerbach hold that women are obligated in Mayim Achronim. </ref> The custom of many women, however, is not to wash mayim acharonim. <ref> Rabbi Yitzchak Yaacov Fuchs in Halichos Bas Yisroel (pg 59): HaGaon Rav Shmuel HaLevi Wossner writes in Shevet HaLevi, Vol. 4, Orach Chayim, No. 23, that the basis for women not washing mayim acharonim is found in the Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 181:10. Chazal explain that in Talmudic days a certain type of salt, called melach s'domith (salt from Sodom) was commonly used and that it could cause blindness if it came in contact with the eyes. The original purpose of mayim acharonim was to rinse the melach s'domith off the hands. The Shulchan Arukh states that since this salt is no longer in use, the obligation of mayim acharonim no longer applies. Although many men follow the view of other authorities who maintain that the mitzvah does apply today, women commonly follow the view of the Shulchan Arukh. | ||
HaGaon Rav Yonah Merzbach reports that in many German communities, before the Second World War, women omitted mayim acharonim and that this practice was common even in households extremely scrupulous in the performance of mitzvoth.</ref> | HaGaon Rav Yonah Merzbach reports that in many German communities, before the Second World War, women omitted mayim acharonim and that this practice was common even in households extremely scrupulous in the performance of mitzvoth.</ref> | ||
# Even if one didn’t touch the food with his hands, one is obligated in Mayim Achronim. <Ref> Halacha Brurah 181. If one has no water (up to 4 mil, which is less than 4 kilometers, on the way or 1 mil in the opposite direction) he should not touch the food when he eats. </ref> | # Even if one didn’t touch the food with his hands, one is obligated in Mayim Achronim. <Ref> Halacha Brurah 181. If one has no water (up to 4 mil, which is less than 4 kilometers, on the way or 1 mil in the opposite direction) he should not touch the food when he eats. </ref> | ||
