| Ask Rabbi Lerner | |
|
Question
My understanding is that we say the bracha "Netilat Yadaim" (blessing for washing hands) in the morning and before eating bread. Why do we not also say it at other times we wash our hands, such as after going to the bathroom, touching our shoes, laying down to sleep, etc?
Answer
I've done some quick research and consulted with colleagues. You are asking
a sophisticated philosophical question more than a simple "how" and "when"
and the following I hope will be of assistance.
The blesssing (bracha)"Netilat yadayim" in the morning, some suggest in commentaries
on the Gemara, has an origin in superstition. "Mazikin" - demon spirits - dance
on the body while it sleeps and when one stirs in the morning, they run to the
fingertips, pausing there until certain whether one is or is not going to awaken.
As they pause, we wash them away, spiritually preparing the body for the morning
prayers.
Hygiene, on the other hand, shows respect for the body as a sanctuary for the
soul. In Judaism there is an emphasis on regular meals, diet, dental care and
aspects of personal bodily cleanliness. However, since these occasions are for
hygiene rather than preceding religious acts, no blessing is recited. (See Code
of Jewish Law, OH chapter 4)
In brief, we do not recite the blessing preceding actions which are not religious
or ritual acts, and hence the blesssing "Netilat yadayim" is not recited whenever
our hands are washed.
Best
Wishes,
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Foundation
for Family Education (FFFE)
More Answers from Rabbi Lerner
|
|