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...
Soaking One’s Feet in Hot Water on Shabbat to Induce Sweating
The Prohibition Against Using Water Heated by a Non-Jew on Shabbat
Moving Large, Heavy Furniture on Shabbat
Driving a Woman in Labor to and from the Hospital on Shabbat
May One Take a Time Released Capsule on Shabbat for Mosei Shabbat?
May One Feed his Animals on Shabbat?
May One Recite Kiddush if He Cannot Drink the Wine?
Taking a Flight That Takes Off Before Shabbat and Lands After Shabbat
The Benefits of Singing Songs on Shabbat
Is It Permitted to Discard the Waste While Eating
Are Colorful Bowl Cleansers Permissible on Shabbat?
Walking on Snow on Shabbat
Setting Timers ("Shabbat Clocks") Before Shabbat
Using a Doorknocker, Clapping, Banging and Whistling on Shabbat
Mixing Red Wine with White Wine on Shabbat - “Sobe’a,” or “Dyeing”
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found