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Netilas Yadayim after Shaving

Does one need to wash his hands after shaving, as one does after a haircut?

Answer:

A shave is generally considered as a haircut for all intents and purposes, and we therefore find that the Rivevos Efraim (4:5, citing from Rav Baruch Yitzchak Levine, and from Rav Pesach Eliyahu Falk) rules that netilas yadayim is required after shaving.

However, Shut Divrei Chachamim (1:8) cites from Rav Moshe Feinstein that there is no need for netilas yadayim after shaving. The reason appears to be that the idea of washing hands after a haircut is because a haircut is considered something “dirty” on account of the sweat on one’s scalp, a shave is certainly different in this regard to a haircut.

Therefore, there is room to be lenient in this matter.

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2 Comments

  1. When they asked the sar hatorah, the gadol hador, Maran Rav Chaim shlita if you need to wash after shaving, he answered: ‘it is forbidden to shave!’

    (Responsa of Rav Kanievsky Shlita published in sefer Ishei Yisroel, pg. 717

    1. True that is the shita of the Chazon Ish, however the minhag of the yeshivos, especally the litvish is that it is permitted.

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