Vessel for Hand Washing

Question

Why must we use a cup to rinse our hand before saying a brucha. The question is on the cup and not simply using the faucet.

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    The Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 159:9, states that one of the conditions of Netilat Yadayim is that a person must use his own effort, Koach Gavra, to pour out the water. When one opens up the tap, the only water that comes out due to the direct effort of the person are the first few drops, while the rest of the water comes out because of the pressure. One of the other conditions is that the water must be poured out from a vessel, it is clear that most taps can not be considered “kosher” vessels.

    The deeper meaning behind “koach gavra” is that using running water would be passively cleaning the hands with water coming from somewhere. But, when you use a cup, you are actively involved in bringing about your own purification by pouring the water over your hands.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team