With Hashem's help, we will begin to delve into the Halachos that pertain to Netilas Yadayim, Seudah, Brachos etc. As always, if you ever have any questions about anything I write, or any topic, please do not hesitate to email me at Halacha For Today
1) Chazal instituted "Netilas Yadayim", and required the washing of the hands before eating bread, even if the hands are not soiled or dirty.
Some have the custom to scratch their heads or touch a normally covered part of their body before washing for bread, thus ensuring that their hands are surely in need of a washing. (See Shu"t Teshuvos V'hanhagos Vol. 1 Siman 170:3)
The primary reason for requiring this washing is that in times of old (and again shortly when Mashiach arrives) before Kohanim were allowed to partake of Terumah they had to wash their hands to ensure they weren't impure. In order for them to get in the habit of doing so, the Chazal instituted this washing for all of Klal Yisroel, not just for Kohanim.
Even though we don't have a Bais HaMikdash now, and are all "impure", the requirement for Netilas Yadayim was kept in force, so we should be in the habit of doing so as soon as the Bais HaMikdash is rebuilt (May it be speedily and in our days)
2) Care must be taken to be scrupulous with the mitzvah of Netilas Yadayim, as those who [regularly] disgrace this Mitzvah are subject to a life of poverty (alluded to in the words "Al Netilas Yadayim" whose first letter spell out the word ANY- a pauper") and some other not so pleasant repercussions. (See Talmud Shabbos 62b).
Women and children are also obligated in Netilas Yadayim.
The many intricacies of the Halachos pertaining to properly washing for Netilas Yadayim, necessitate a thorough learning of the subject in order to be able to properly adhere to them[ and avoid the negative outcomes of not being scrupulous in these laws] (Shl"a quoted in Kaf HaChaim Siman 165:12)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and my Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website. For study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to Halacha For Today)
Reader's Question:
I was with a friend on Rosh Chodesh. She washed for bread before shkia (sunset) and ate her meal. By the time she was done and ready to bentch (say Birchas HaMazon) it was after shkia/not rosh chodesh anymore. She bentched saying Yaale V'yavo Is that the correct halacha? Is it the same as shalosh seudos on shabbos, still saying retzei even if Shabbos is already over/bentching after tzeis.
My Answer:
Yes, your friend is correct. Just like by Seudah Shlishis on Shabbos, if you ate your meal before shkiah, you bentch with Retzei or Yaaleh V'Yavo even well after Shkiah.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
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