Halachot and Customs
Handwashing After a Shower
Question
Hello, honorable rabbi.
I have several questions regarding netilat yadayim:
1) Is it necessary to wash one’s hands after a shower, as after using the restroom?
2) Sometimes before washing hands before prayer, one needs to go to the restroom to relieve oneself. Is it necessary to wash the hands twice: after using the restroom (three times alternately) and before prayer (three times on each hand in succession)? The same question applies before a meal.
3) Now in the summer I am always wearing short-sleeved shirts. From time to time during prayer I touch, unintentionally, the area of my arm slightly above the elbow. Is it necessary to wash my hands after each such touch?
4) Also when putting on tefillin I touch that part of the arm. What should I do?
Thank you very much.
Answer
Greetings and blessings
1. Yes.
2. No. It is sufficient to wash after using the restroom until after prayer.
3. There is no need to wash hands.
4. At a time when the custom is to cover the arm, one should wash hands after putting on tefillin. There are those who are lenient in this matter, and it is proper to be strict.
With blessings,
Binyamin Shmueli
