Is one required to be careful not to pause (hefsek) between washing hands (netilat yadayim) and reciting Hamotzi?
Synopsis
Authorities dispute whether the Talmudic principle of 'tying together washing and the meal' creates a strict prohibition against pausing between netilat yadayim and Hamotzi, or merely a praiseworthy practice. The Mechaber records both views and recommends caution; the Rema adds a time-measure for when a pause becomes problematic.
More in Washing for Dipped Foods
What is the minimum duration of a pause between netilat yadayim and Hamotzi that constitutes a halakhic hefsek (interruption)?
4 opinions across 3 eras
May one speak between netilat yadayim and Hamotzi, and does the type of speech matter?
3 opinions
May one recite a personal prayer for sustenance (tefillat parnassah) between netilat yadayim and Hamotzi if one forgot to do so before washing?
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