Mayim acharonim for women

Hi,

The Talmud states that one must wash his hands before reciting the birkat hamazon blessing after eating. Two different reasons are presented - one regarding sanctity, and the other regarding a coarse salt in one's food which could endanger one's eyes if he were to touch them. Either way, this applies for men and women alike.

(Rivivot Ephraim 1:140:3)

[And of course, the note in the previous post regarding washing in order to have clean hands when reciting birkat hamazon also applies to men and women alike. - MT]

המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai

Clean hands for a blessing

Hi,

One must have clean hands when reciting any blessing; therefore, one who has been eating should wash his hands before reciting a blessing.

This is distinct from the practice of mayim acharonim recorded in the Talmud; it is a matter of respect for the blessing.

(Rivivot Ephraim 1:140:2)

המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai

Washing ritually after touching shoelaces

Hi,

We wash ritually (netilat yadayim) after touching shoes, but it is not necessary to wash after touching  shoelaces.

(Rivivot Ephraim 1:10:2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Washing ritually after cutting one's nails

Hi,

We wash ritually (netilat yadayim) after cutting our nails, and even after removing just some of the nails.

(Rivivot Ephraim 1:10:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Hand-washing and Haircuts

Hi,

One should wash his hands ritually after having a haircut. This may be done in the barbershop, or after leaving.

(Rivivot Ephraim 1:7:3)

Have a great day,
Mordechai