עברית
Halachot and Customs
From which hand should one begin the morning ritual washing of hands?
Question
From which side should one begin washing hands in the morning, and on which side should one finish? Thank you.
Answer
Greetings, One should hold the washing cup in the right hand and transfer it to the left hand, so that the water is poured first over the right hand. Then, one holds the cup again in the right hand and pours over the left hand (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 4:10). Water should be poured on the hands three times alternately (according to the Gra's opinion, four times) to remove the evil spirit that rests upon them. Therefore, the last washing is on the left hand (see ibid., section 2 and Mishnah Berurah 1).
Blessings, Hillel Meirs.
