Community Magazine February 2014

&Jamileh batMazal Cohen a.h. 7 MUST ONE WASH NETILAT YADAYIM AFTER SLEEPING DURING THE DAY? The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 4:15) writes that it is uncertain whether one must wash his hands after daytime sleep, and the Rama adds that one should therefore wash without reciting the berachah . Theoretically, one is not required to wash his hands after a very short nap, but given the difference of opinion that exists regarding the length of a nap that requires hand washing, one should wash his hands even after a quick nap. 8 MUST A UTENSIL BE USED FOR THE MORNING NETILAT YADAYIM ? The Shulhan Aruch (4:7) writes that it is preferable when washing one’s hands in the morning to follow all the guidelines that apply to washing before a meal. Therefore, one should wash from a utensil that does not have any holes or that is chipped, and which contains a revi’it of water. Additionally, the water should be clean and not have been used previously. One should actively pour water onto his hands, as opposed to placing them under running water. If one does not have the preferred quantity of water, or does not have a utensil, he should wash his hands with whatever he has available, though without reciting a berachah ( Halachah Berurah 12). 9 ARE WOMEN AND CHILDREN INCLUDED IN THE OBLIGATION OF THE MORNING NETILAT YADAYIM ? Women are included in the obligation, and, in fact, as they are generally the ones who prepare food for the family, they must be especially careful to wash their hands in the morning to ensure that the harmful spirits are not transferred onto the food. Our rabbis advise washing the hands of even very young children when they wake up in the morning, beginning from the age of one week, as this will help facilitate their spiritual growth. 10 IF ONE REMAINED AWAKE THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT, SUCH AS ON SHAVUOT, MUST HE WASH NETILAT YADAYIM IN THE MORNING? If one did not use the restroom in the morning, then according to some authorities he washes his hands without a berachah , whereas others maintain that a berachah is recited even in such a case. Therefore the Mishna Berurah recommends that one uses the restroom in the morning and then wash his hands with a berachah according to all authorities. (See Shulhan Aruch , Rama and Mishnah Berurah 4:13.). DOC ’ S PHARMACY 559 KINGS HIGHWAY (Bet. E. 4th & 5th Streets) TEL: 718.627.1145 FAX: 718.627.2193 FLU and COLD Season are here. Get everything you need to treat and prevent it. ADAR I 5774 FEBRUARY 2014 49