Netilas Yadayim on the Road
Washing one’s hands before eating bread is a Rabbinic Mitzvah. By Rabbinic decree, hands are considered Tamei and a Kohen would not be able to eat Terumah without first washing. The rabbis extended the requirement for Netilas Yadayim to all Jews (not only Kohanim) when eating any bread (not only forTerumah).
Even though the Temple has been destroyed and Kohanim no longer eat Terumah, the enactment of Netilas Yadayim remains in force. This is so that we will be accustomed to washing before eating in preparation for when the Beis Hamikdosh is speedily rebuilt[1].
There are very detailed laws about what type of water and what type of vessel must be used for performing Netilas Yadayim.
Netilas Yadayim is an extremely important mitzvah. Chaza”l teach that one who is careful with Netilas Yadayim will be blessed with wealth[2]. Conversely, one who is lax with Netilas Yadayim will come to poverty[3]. The Gemara tells of the great Mesiras Nefesh of Rabbi Akiva[4] who when imprisoned would use his water rations for Netilas Yadayim.
When suling or going on trips, one should always ensure to pack sufficient water and a suitable cup for washing in case none will be available while travelling.
The Shulchan Aruch discusses what one should do in a scenario where no water or cup for washing is available.
How far to travel for water
The Shulchan Aruch[5] rules that if water will become available within the time it takes to walk 4 mil (approx. 72 minutes) one cannot eat before obtaining that water. If one would need to go back or travel out of their way to obtain water, then they are only required to diverge for the time it would take to travel 1 mil (18 minutes).
Consensus among the Poskim is that this refers to an amount of time rather than a geographical distance. Therefore when travelling on the highway for example, if one would reach water (gas station etc.) within 72 minutes drive, he would be obligated to do so before relying on other leniencies (or eating without washing).
If one is travelling in a manner where it would not be possible to stop or would involve significant cost or effort e.g. on an inter-state bus which will not stop for them, or if one is travelling in a place where it would be dangerous to stop, they are not required to wait.
Netilas Yadayim must be performed using a cup. The time-frames and laws discussed above[6] regarding water would also apply to being able to obtain a suitable cup.
Taps and plastic cups
One should not rely on washing without a cup by using a tap for Netilas Yadayim even if it is turned on and off each time[7].
Whilst according to many Poskim[8], plastic cups and empty cans may be used, there are Poskim[9] who argue that since they are disposable they should not be used. Therefore if another Keili is available this would be preferable.
Dipping in a body of water
Alternatively, in the absence of a cup, there are options of dipping one’s hands into water which would qualify as a mikva if available. Examples would be the ocean, natural springs, lakes and rivers. In this case the blessing would be על שטיפת ידים and one would only be required to dip their hands once.
Wrapping one’s hands
If suitable water or a suitable cup will not be available as per above, only then would one be able to rely on the leniency of wrapping both of one’s hands until the wrists (in gloves etc.) and eating without touching the bread. Note that holding the food in a bag or eating with a fork etc. would not suffice[10].
Even still, the Alter Rebbe writes that there are those who oppose relying on this leniency even when no water is available and he concludes that one who is stringent is praiseworthy. It would appear from the Alter Rebbe that it is preferable to rely on some of the leniencies in the quality or nature of the washing liquid (see below).
Washing in the morning
The Shulchan Aruch[11] rules that one may wash their hands in the morning and have in mind that this washing will suffice for eating throughout the day. This applies as long as he maintains concentration throughout the day that his hands do not touch anything which would require re-washing or wears gloves. If one slept or went to the bathroom the stipulation would no longer work. This condition can be made on any halachically required washing such as Negel Vasser in the morning or after going to the restroom.
The Maharsha”l challenges the leniency of making a stipulation and therefore the Alter Rebbe rules that we do not rely on it unless one is in a situation where no water will be available later[12]. Even then, ideally the stipulation should be made in conjunction with covering one’s hands while eating.
What liquids can be used?
Netilas Yadayim must be performed using water and no other form of liquid. The water too should not be discoloured.
Where such water is not available and will not be available within the time-frames above, the Alter Rebbe in his Shulchan Aruch rules that one can rely on the lenient opinions which allow washing with juice or other beverages. Discoloured water should not be used in any circumstance. As mentioned above, using other liquids would be preferable to wrapping one’s hands (even when employed together with the stipulation method).
Being fed by someone else is not an option either. Even if the person eating is being fed by someone else and not touching the bread themselves, they are still obligated to wash Netilas Yadayim. The one feeding the bread would not be required to wash[13].
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[1] Shulchan Aruch Harav OC 158:1
[2] See Shulchan Aruch Harav OC 158:15 that one should not do so with the anticipation of becoming wealthy, since this is like serving one’s Master in order to receive reward.
[3] See Sotah 4b and Rashi.
[4] Eiruvin 21b. When left with only enough water to drink or to wash his hands, Rabbi Akiva chose the latter, preferring to risk his life then violate the law of his colleagues.
[5] Orach Chaim 163
[6] Tzitz Eliezer 8:7
[7] See Piskei Teshuvos 159:19. It is questionable whether water coming through standard taps comes from the koach of a vessel. This is different to a tap on a barrel which may be used by turning the tap on and off. See however Minchas Yitzchak who is lenient with our taps in a real שעת הדחק if the water is turned on and off and also one dips their hands in water collecting at the bottom of the sink.
[8] Tzitz Eliezer 12:23, Beer Moshe 1:49, Az Nidberu 6:45. Care should be taken that the cup hold at least a Reviis (86ml) and should not be cracked.
[9] Igros Moshe 3:39
[10] Seder Netilas Yadayim Adh”z sec. 22
[11] OC Siman 164
[12] See Aruch Hashulchan who writes that we have not seen this followed in practise. Chayei Adam raises the concern that this practise could also lead a person to forget the bentch, for which the stipulation does not help.
[13] Shulchan Aruch Harav OC 163:2
Even though the Temple has been destroyed and Kohanim no longer eat Terumah, the enactment of Netilas Yadayim remains in force. This is so that we will be accustomed to washing before eating in preparation for when the Beis Hamikdosh is speedily rebuilt[1].
There are very detailed laws about what type of water and what type of vessel must be used for performing Netilas Yadayim.
Netilas Yadayim is an extremely important mitzvah. Chaza”l teach that one who is careful with Netilas Yadayim will be blessed with wealth[2]. Conversely, one who is lax with Netilas Yadayim will come to poverty[3]. The Gemara tells of the great Mesiras Nefesh of Rabbi Akiva[4] who when imprisoned would use his water rations for Netilas Yadayim.
When suling or going on trips, one should always ensure to pack sufficient water and a suitable cup for washing in case none will be available while travelling.
The Shulchan Aruch discusses what one should do in a scenario where no water or cup for washing is available.
How far to travel for water
The Shulchan Aruch[5] rules that if water will become available within the time it takes to walk 4 mil (approx. 72 minutes) one cannot eat before obtaining that water. If one would need to go back or travel out of their way to obtain water, then they are only required to diverge for the time it would take to travel 1 mil (18 minutes).
Consensus among the Poskim is that this refers to an amount of time rather than a geographical distance. Therefore when travelling on the highway for example, if one would reach water (gas station etc.) within 72 minutes drive, he would be obligated to do so before relying on other leniencies (or eating without washing).
If one is travelling in a manner where it would not be possible to stop or would involve significant cost or effort e.g. on an inter-state bus which will not stop for them, or if one is travelling in a place where it would be dangerous to stop, they are not required to wait.
Netilas Yadayim must be performed using a cup. The time-frames and laws discussed above[6] regarding water would also apply to being able to obtain a suitable cup.
Taps and plastic cups
One should not rely on washing without a cup by using a tap for Netilas Yadayim even if it is turned on and off each time[7].
Whilst according to many Poskim[8], plastic cups and empty cans may be used, there are Poskim[9] who argue that since they are disposable they should not be used. Therefore if another Keili is available this would be preferable.
Dipping in a body of water
Alternatively, in the absence of a cup, there are options of dipping one’s hands into water which would qualify as a mikva if available. Examples would be the ocean, natural springs, lakes and rivers. In this case the blessing would be על שטיפת ידים and one would only be required to dip their hands once.
Wrapping one’s hands
If suitable water or a suitable cup will not be available as per above, only then would one be able to rely on the leniency of wrapping both of one’s hands until the wrists (in gloves etc.) and eating without touching the bread. Note that holding the food in a bag or eating with a fork etc. would not suffice[10].
Even still, the Alter Rebbe writes that there are those who oppose relying on this leniency even when no water is available and he concludes that one who is stringent is praiseworthy. It would appear from the Alter Rebbe that it is preferable to rely on some of the leniencies in the quality or nature of the washing liquid (see below).
Washing in the morning
The Shulchan Aruch[11] rules that one may wash their hands in the morning and have in mind that this washing will suffice for eating throughout the day. This applies as long as he maintains concentration throughout the day that his hands do not touch anything which would require re-washing or wears gloves. If one slept or went to the bathroom the stipulation would no longer work. This condition can be made on any halachically required washing such as Negel Vasser in the morning or after going to the restroom.
The Maharsha”l challenges the leniency of making a stipulation and therefore the Alter Rebbe rules that we do not rely on it unless one is in a situation where no water will be available later[12]. Even then, ideally the stipulation should be made in conjunction with covering one’s hands while eating.
What liquids can be used?
Netilas Yadayim must be performed using water and no other form of liquid. The water too should not be discoloured.
Where such water is not available and will not be available within the time-frames above, the Alter Rebbe in his Shulchan Aruch rules that one can rely on the lenient opinions which allow washing with juice or other beverages. Discoloured water should not be used in any circumstance. As mentioned above, using other liquids would be preferable to wrapping one’s hands (even when employed together with the stipulation method).
Being fed by someone else is not an option either. Even if the person eating is being fed by someone else and not touching the bread themselves, they are still obligated to wash Netilas Yadayim. The one feeding the bread would not be required to wash[13].
_______________________________________
[1] Shulchan Aruch Harav OC 158:1
[2] See Shulchan Aruch Harav OC 158:15 that one should not do so with the anticipation of becoming wealthy, since this is like serving one’s Master in order to receive reward.
[3] See Sotah 4b and Rashi.
[4] Eiruvin 21b. When left with only enough water to drink or to wash his hands, Rabbi Akiva chose the latter, preferring to risk his life then violate the law of his colleagues.
[5] Orach Chaim 163
[6] Tzitz Eliezer 8:7
[7] See Piskei Teshuvos 159:19. It is questionable whether water coming through standard taps comes from the koach of a vessel. This is different to a tap on a barrel which may be used by turning the tap on and off. See however Minchas Yitzchak who is lenient with our taps in a real שעת הדחק if the water is turned on and off and also one dips their hands in water collecting at the bottom of the sink.
[8] Tzitz Eliezer 12:23, Beer Moshe 1:49, Az Nidberu 6:45. Care should be taken that the cup hold at least a Reviis (86ml) and should not be cracked.
[9] Igros Moshe 3:39
[10] Seder Netilas Yadayim Adh”z sec. 22
[11] OC Siman 164
[12] See Aruch Hashulchan who writes that we have not seen this followed in practise. Chayei Adam raises the concern that this practise could also lead a person to forget the bentch, for which the stipulation does not help.
[13] Shulchan Aruch Harav OC 163:2