DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 782 KB)
Mayim Acharonim- A Foul Spirit ?

It is commonly known that the Mayim Aharonim has a "Ruach Ra’ah"-foul spirit. The Shulhan Aruch (Siman 181) implies that this is only if the water reaches the earth-not carpet or flooring. That is why Maran states that one should not wash Mayim Aharonim over ground upon which people walk, since they may come to harm. The Levush (R. Mordechai b. Avraham Yoffe, 1530-1612, Europe), as cited by the Be’ur Halacha, maintains that the "Ruach Ra’ah" takes effect even if the water is poured into a vessel. According to him, one should immediately dispose of the water in the vessel so that nobody is exposed to it.

Hacham Ovadia is lenient and rules in accordance with Maran. Therefore, there is no problem to pour the Mayim Acharonim onto plates or into the sink, as long as they are washed off afterwards. This is opposed to the opinion that many sicknesses are due to people who eat from plates upon which Mayim Acharonim was spilled, even if they were later washed off. Someone who wants to be strict and only wash into disposable bowls or a special receptacle is praiseworthy, but there is no problem according to the letter of the law.

SUMMARY
One may pour Mayim Aharonim onto the floor under the table; likewise there is no problem pouring the water on dinner plates or in the sink, if he washes it afterward.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
How A Person or Chazan Can Make Up Missed Minha Of Erev Shabbat
What Is The Rule For Travelers To and From Israel, For Barech Alenu in The Amidah Starts Earlier In Israel Than America
What to Recite in Lieu of Barechu When Praying Privately
Reciting “Lamedeni Hukecha” During the Amida to Avoid a Beracha Le’batala
Keri'at Shema Al Ha'mita
May the Hazan Recite the Repetition of the Amida if Some of the Ten People Had Prayed Earlier?
Until What Point in the Day May One Recite the Berachot of Shema?
Does One Answer “Amen” to a Beracha of Kaddish in the Middle of Pesukeh De’zimra?
The Prohibition Against Interrupting During Pesukeh De’zimra
May One Step Back for “Oseh Shalom” When Somebody is Praying Behind Him?
Reciting Hallel on Rosh Hodesh; Providing Food for Torah Scholars on Rosh Hodesh
Are Women Required to Recite Birkot Ha’shahar?
Answering “Amen” and Other Responses During Pesukeh De’zimra and During Baruch She’amar
Is it Permissible to Pray in Front of a Mirror or a Window?
The Recitation of “Baruch Hashem Le’olam” Before Va’yebarech David
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found