ots@ohrtorahstone.org.il

Question:
I have visited several families who follow the custom of washing hands ("mayim ahronim") before reciting "birkat ha-mazon" at the end of the meal. Neither my parents nor most of the people I know follow this custom. Is "mayim ahronim" obligatory or optional?

Answer:
In Massekhet Berakhot we learn, "Washing hands prior to the meal is optional; washing after the meal is obligatory." Despite this, according to all halakhic authorities (including the Rambam, Ra'avad, and Shulhan Arukh) it is obligatory to wash before eating bread.

Concerning "mayim ahronim" there is a very interesting difference of opinion among the poskim. According to the Tosfot (Beitza 6), "mayim ahronim" was instituted for health-related reasons, since at that time it was customary to add Sodomite salt to foods as a preservative. If a person had this salt on his fingers and it mistakenly came into contact with his eyes, there was a danger of serious infection. Since today, with modern refrigeration and preservatives, we no longer use this type of salt, there is no longer any need for "mayim ahronim".

The Rambam, however, rules that when Hazal institute a law, even if the original reason for it has fallen away, the law remains valid.

In addition, it should be noted that since "birkat ha-mazon" is a mitzvah from the Torah (at least the first three blessings), and since "birkat ha-mazon" serves as the source for all other blessings - since the essential obligation to recite blessings is learned from it - it is certainly worthy and appropriate to wash hands in preparation for reciting "birkat ha-mazon".

In my home the custom was not to be strict about "mayim ahronim" during the week, but to follow this custom on Shabbat, festivals and special family occasions such as at a "brit" or a festive meal in honor of the birth of a daughter.

If you have a question for Q & A, send it to ots@ohrtorahstone.org.il . We cannot guarantee that all questions received will be answered in this column.

Previous 'Q&As':
Relating to

• Amira lagoy
• Maaser Kessafim
• Where to light Hannukah lights
• Women dancing with sefer torah
• Individual's feeling of security
• Differing Berachot when male/female born
• Eating dairy meals on Shabbat
• Visiting Israel and the security situation
• Playing football on Shabbat
• Shmitta laws
• Kitniyot on Pesach
• Driving throught Judea, Samaria and Gaza
• Inebriation on Purim
• Travelling to India and vegetarian food
• Laws of mourning
• Expressing disapproval of chillul shabbat
• Interpretation of dreams
• Women's Minyanim
• Refrigerators on Shabbat
• Succah
• Tzeddaka
• Muktsa and Marketing campaigns

Return to Ohr Torah Stone