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Netilat Yadayim Questions

Greetings Rabbi, I have a lot of questions regarding Hand Washing and Eating and I hope that you can answer them. Thank you.
Washing (Netilat Yadayim)
If I enter a non-kosher supermarket or kitchen do I have to wash with the three times method? No
When going to the bathroom can I wash directly from the faucet with soap or do I need to wash three times? You may wash from the faucet, however some are stringent to wash three times
Also, before washing (Netilat Yadayim) do I have to wash with soap? Dirt should be removed, not necessarily with soap
Before eating a meal that does not contain bread does one have to wash one’s hands? No
And after eating a meal other than bread is washing needed? No
It is said that one has to wash after touching covered parts of one’s body, my question is if I scratch my back with my shirt on, do I have to wash?  No, as long as you don’t actually touch your body [skin]
Eating
Rabbi, I understand that there are Mezonot foods that when eaten in a full meal become Hamotzi. My question is if I eat a bowl of cereal (Cheerios) which is Mezonot do I have to pray Birkat Amazon after eating? No, as this is lacking in bread like nature
If I eat an apple pie as a dessert do I have to pray Birkat Hamazon after eating? No, assuming it was not a bread meal

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2 Comments

  1. Sorry to disagree but if you don’t use soap you are not getting the bacteria off the hands.Lack of hand washing is the main method of transmission of disease.Just plain running water does nothing.

    1. Ritual washing of the hands before eating bread is for purposes of ritual purity, not to rid the hands from bacteria. One can wash their hands at a different time for this.

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