עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it mandatory to wash hands before prayer?
Question
Is it mandatory to wash hands before prayer? I am asking according to the custom of the Sephardim, and I would appreciate references.
Thank you very much in advance.
Answer
Greetings,
There is an obligation to wash hands before prayer (Shulchan Aruch Siman 234, Section 4, and Mishnah Berurah 34:13) without a blessing (Shulchan Aruch Siman 205, Section 2).
According to the letter of the law, one does not need a vessel, nevertheless, if there is a vessel available, it is better to wash in a vessel (Or Litzion Part 2, Chapter 45, Section 24).
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
