We will be resuming Hilchos Netilas Yadayim, where we left off before Pesach.
1)Netilas Yadayim must be washed using a "Keli- a Utensil", as Chazal have likened it to the washing that the Kohanim used to do in the Bais HaMikdash before the Avodah, which had to be done with a utensil. (See Shut Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 8 Siman 7:8 and Shu"t Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. 1 Siman 120:8 where they expound upon this at great length)
Just as one must exert effort and travel a certain amount to find water (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 163 and archives Halachos for March 13), so too must one exert the same efforts to find a utensil with which to wash. (See Tzitz Eliezer ibid.)
2) All utensils are acceptable for washing for Netilas Yadayim, even those utensils that aren't considered utensils for matters pertaining to Tumah and Tahara. (Mishna Berura 159:3)
There is no difference if the utensil is glass, wood, clay, or any other material. (Mishna Berura 159:2)
According to some Poskim, disposable cups are not acceptable for Netilas Yadayim. However, according to many Poskim, if they are hard plastic or any other type that is commonly used at Shabbos, Yom Tov or other important meals, they are permitted. (See Sefer Sharei HaBracha Chapter 2:3, where he writes that the same rules that apply for the cup for Kiddush apply here as well.)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
In the shul I daven at, a number of years ago they started saying Tehillim after mincha because the situation in Eretz Yisroel was very grave. They have continued this practice and are still doing it, even though I don't think the situation there is any worse than it always is. My point is that if it was good to say extra Tehillim every day, Chazal would have instituted it.
I feel that by saying Tehillim in a non-emergency situation we are saying that we are so frum and have such great kavanot that we can't get them all in during the regular mincha, we need to say more. The truth is that almost everybody hardly says it at all, or mumbles through it.
I asked the rabbi if we should discontinue the practice but he didn't agree. I'm not even sure we're allowed to stop any more, maybe it's like a neder or something! What do you think? Are we allowed to stop? Is it OK to add on to mincha? I think the whole thing is very wrong and should be discontinued immediately.
Answer:
There is nothing halachically wrong with saying Tehilim after davening. In fact, many Tzadikim and even many simple people in years past used to say a chapter or two of Tehilim after each Tefilah.
Many Kehilos still have this Minhag today where they say a chapter or two each day B'Tzibbur.
If you find that you cannot do this, you arent obligated to join them in the recital, but there is definitely nothing wrong, as Klal Yisroel needs all the Tefilos they can get.
In fact, the reason that the situation in Eretz Yisroel or for Yidden around the world isn't so bad now, may possibly be due to the amount of Tehillim being said in Shuls around the world each day!
Chazal tell us that it is easier to daven to prevent a calamity or a sickness than to daven for it to go away once it strikes R"L.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
