Must one raise (or keep lowered) the hands during ritual washing to prevent first-waters from flowing back past the wrist joint?
Synopsis
The Talmud requires raising the fingertips upward during handwashing so impure first-waters cannot flow back past the wrist joint and re-defile the hands. Authorities debate whether lowering from the start is equally valid, whether washing up to the wrist joint eliminates the concern, and whether pouring three times renders the caution unnecessary.
More in Washing Vessels and Water Sources
How many pourings are required for ritual handwashing, and when may one pour only once?
3 opinions
Is rubbing the hands together required as part of ritual handwashing?
3 opinions
If one washed only part of the hand and added more water to cover the rest, is the washing valid?
3 opinions
If one poured water on one hand and rubbed it against the other before washing the second hand, is the washing valid?
3 opinions
Is washing both hands simultaneously treated differently from washing one hand at a time with respect to cross-contamination?
1 opinions
What happens if each hand was washed separately and then the hands were joined when receiving the second-waters?
2 opinions
When rubbing the hands together, must one avoid rubbing beyond the area that was washed?
2 opinions
If one washed one hand, dried it on the head or wall, and then touched the water that had dripped there, is the hand impure?
2 opinions
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