How far up the hand must water reach for valid netilat yadayim — up to the wrist/forearm joint or only up to where the fingers join the palm?
Synopsis
A tannaitic dispute about the required area for netilat yadayim is codified by the Mechaber, who rules that ideally one should wash up to the forearm joint (kano shel zro'a). A second opinion requires washing only up to where the fingers join the palm. The Mechaber rules to follow the first (stricter) opinion.
More in Water Quantity for Washing
Does the general rule that 'whatever interposes for tevila (immersion) also interposes for netilat yadayim' apply, and which specific substances constitute a chatzitzah?
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