Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) Before eating bread the following blessing must be recited, after washing: "Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech Ha'Olam Asher KidShanu B'Mitzvosav, V'tzivanu Al Netilas Yadayim- Blessed are you Hashem, master of the world who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to wash (i.e. sanctify) our hands".
This text (i.e. "hands" in the plural) is recited even if washing only one hand (for medical or any other acceptable reason) (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 158:4 and Shu"t Yechaveh Da'as Vol. 2 Siman 19. The Aruch HaShulchan 163:2 maintains that no Bracha is made when only one hand is washed.)
2) One who washes for Netilas Yadayim and makes the Bracha, and then changes their mind and does not want to eat, may do this, and it isn't a Bracha L'vatalah (a blessing in vain) as at the time of the washing their intent was indeed to eat.
L'Chatchilah, however, it is best to eat a little bread. (Chazon Ish Orach Chaim Siman 25:9 based on a Ritv"a in Maseches Chulin 106. See also Kaf HaChaim 158:6)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) It is best not make a Hefsek (interruption) between the washing of the hands and the recital of the Bracha (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 158:16)
"Those who are [more]careful not to talk between reciting "Al Netilas Yadayim" and reciting "Hamotzi", yet [are lax and] talk between washing the hands and reciting the "Al Netilas Yadayim" are mistaken [in their priorities of when it's more important to not make a Hefsek]" (Direct quote of the Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 165:1)
It is best not to talk after even one hand is washed, as the obligation to recite the Bracha is already in place after the first hand is washed. (See Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 2 Siman 115)
The hands should not be dried or rubbed together, while reciting the Bracha; rather one should concentrate solely on the words he/she is saying.
2) Usually when doing Mitzvos, the Bracha is made before the Mitzvah is done (Over L'Asiyaso). However, since the hands are often not clean before the washing, Chazal instituted that by Netilas Yadayim the Mitzvah (washing) is done first and only then is the Bracha recited.
However, in order to make the Bracha before the Mitzvah is totally completed, the Bracha should be recited before the hands are dried (as the drying is also a part of the Mitzvah)
If one forgot and dried his/her hands, B'dieved, the Bracha can still be made afterwards as long as the "Hamotzi" was not recited on the bread. (See Shulchan Aruch, Ram"a and Mishna Berura Siman 158:11. See also Chayei Adam Siman 40:4 and Be'er Heitev 158:18 for other opinions in this Halacha)
Some people have the custom to say the Posuk "Se'U Yedeichem Kodesh, U'Barchu Es Hashem" (Tehillim 134) before reciting the Bracha of "Al Netilas Yadayim". They must be aware to make sure to not begin drying the hands until after the entire Bracha is recited. (See Mishna Berura 158:44. According to the Shl"a saying this Posuk is not a Hefsek. The Gaon of Vilna, the Ba'al HaTanya and others, however, maintain that it should not be said as it is indeed a Hefsek. Each person should follow their established custom with regard to this)
Important Numbers
