a) After using the bathroom (and possibly even after simply being in a bathroom or bathhouse, according to many Poskim)

 

b) After bathing in a bathhouse [or even showering at home]

 

c) After cutting your nails of your fingers or toes. Some Poskim are lenient and don’t require washing after “biting” nails as this is done out of nervousness and not with intention to cut the nails (Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Steipler and others)

 

d) After touching [leather] shoes, that were walked in at least once. (In a shoe store, trying on new shoes, washing isn’t necessary)

 

e) After touching your feet (this is the case even for one who usually goes barefoot)

 

f) After scratching your head (only if you scratch deep enough to scratch the scalp, according to Mishna Berura, Chayei Adam and most others. Therefore, no washing is necessary after donning the Tefillin Shel Rosh each morning.)

 

g) After being in a cemetery or at a funeral, in a house where there lies a dead body, or after touching a dead body.

 

h) After having marital relations (this applies to women as well, according to the Ben Ish Chai)

 

i) After touching lice (and according to Shulchan Aruch Harav, also after touching any impure animal)

 

j) After touching any places on the body that are normally covered (according to the Chazon Ish, one does not need washing after diapering a baby or touching any other part of an infant that is usually covered, as there is no status of “Ervah” for infants. Others argue.)

 

k) After getting your hair cut.

 

 2) Many of the aforementioned situations require Netilah due to Ruach Ra, and many are simply because of Nekiyus- cleanliness. Most of the above do not require a utensil, and do not require washing each hand 3 times. A full detailing of the many different opinions for each of the above, and a discussion as to the reason behind each one’s requirement to wash, is beyond the scope of this email. As a rule of thumb: If washing 3 times with a utensil is not a big deal to do, it is best to do it for all of the above situations.

 

According to Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, washing is not necessary after having a blood test, or after donating blood. However, if blood was let out as a cure for any ailment (something which isn’t common these days), all agree that washing is necessary.

 

(It may be a good idea to print out the Halchos from the past week(s), which can be found in the archives on http://www.HalachaForToday.com and review and discuss them at the shabbos table with your family. It may also be a good idea to print out a copy or two to take to Shul for others to review as well.)

 

WISHING YOU ALL A ELEVATED AND FULFILLING SHABBOS! Visit my website http://www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, links,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Spread the word of Hashem! Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too! Bracha V’Hatzlacha!