עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is It Permissible to Wash Hands While Wearing a Ring?
Question
Hello, esteemed Rabbi,
Is there a need to remove a ring that is constantly on the hand during the washing of hands? Is there a distinction between a man and a woman? Is there a difference between the morning washing and that before a meal?
Thank you in advance.
Answer
Greetings,
According to Yalkut Yosef, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 61 - Obstacles in Hand Washing, and up to where one washes:
2. It is necessary to clean one’s hands of dirt under the fingernails. Additionally, one should remove the ring during the washing of hands. However, if a person’s work is clean, and it is not his practice to remove his ring from his finger at all, he is permitted to wash his hands while wearing the ring, even if it is tightly fitted. This applies even if the ring has a precious stone. One who is stringent will be blessed. However, if he is particular about removing the ring so that the stone does not get damaged by water, he must take off the ring before washing due to the obstacle. [Yalkut Yosef, vol. 3, Laws of Brachot and Blessings, p. 82].
3. A woman who is not accustomed to removing her ring from her finger while making a cake, and similar activities, is allowed to wash her hands while wearing the ring, and this is not considered an obstacle, even if the ring is tight. However, if the ring has a precious stone and it is customary for the woman to take off the ring so that the stone does not get damaged by water, it is considered an obstacle, and she needs to remove the ring prior to washing. If she is not particular about removing the ring that contains the stone from her hand, this is not considered an obstacle. [Yalkut Yosef, Laws of Blessings, p. 82].
Wishing you success,
Binyamin Shmueli
