1)The requirement of Netilas Yadayim is only before eating bread made from the "Chameishes Minei Dagan, the 5 species of grain" (wheat, barley, rye, spelt or oats), and only when the Bracha on the bread in question is "Hamotzi".
One should not be stringent and wash the hands before eating [dry] fruits, as doing this unnecessary Chumra is a sign of haughtiness. (The Chazal only instituted the washing on bread as most of Terumah was bread and only a small portion was from fruit, and they did not institute this Halacha for the minority of Terumah foods. See Ram"a Siman 158:5 and Mishna Berura 22. See also Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 158:1)
If one's hands are dirty, or if one has a minhag to wash his hands before uttering any Bracha to Hashem, he/she may indeed wash the hands before eating fruits. (Mishna Berura 158:23). However, when doing so, it is best to not wash the hands in a way that it appears that it is for "Netilas Yadayim" (See Ketzos HaShulchan 36:21 and Mishna Berura ibid.)
2) If the fruits were wet while eating, Netilas Yadayim is required, and we will discuss those Halachos (of "Tibul B'Mashkeh) iy"H in a few days.
One who eats bread whose Bracha is "Mezonos" or other pastries, does not wash the hands, unless they are "Kovea Seudah" by eating the "Mezonos" item for their meal. (We will iy"H cover the Halachos of what constitutes "Kovea Seudah" in the near future as well)
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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:
While delivering Tzedakah packages for Aniyim, I received a ticket for parking at a Fire Hydrant. If I would not be able to park at the hydrants, there would be no way that I can deliver these packages and look for 9 different parking spots. My question is, can I use Maaser Money to pay for this ticket.
My Answer:
Most probably you would be able to consider the fine an "expense" incurred while delivering the packages, and would indeed be able to pay it from Ma'aser money.
Please double check with a Rav though for a final psak Halacha
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 )
Important Numbers
