1. Washing hands:[1]

One who has marital relations is required to wash their hands [immediately[2]] afterwards.[3] [This is one of the main necessary sanctifications of intercourse and is done in order to banish the evil spirit(s) from them.[4] One who does not do so causes his seed to be damaged.[5] This applies to both the husband and the wife.[6] One must be very careful in this matter.[7] Prior to intercourse, one is to prepare a basin of water near the bed for this purpose.[8] Nonetheless, if they did not do so, they should simply wash their hands by the nearest sink, and there is no need to beware not to walk four Amos beforehand.[9]]

How to wash the hands:[10] Although from the letter of the law washing one time suffices,[11] the custom is to wash one’s hands three times [inconsecutively[12]].

What occurs if one does not wash his hands?[13] If one did not wash his hands after intercourse, then if he is a Torah scholar, he will forget his learning. If he is a layman, he will lose his mind.[14] [Likewise, it can cause his seed to become spiritually damaged.[15]]

^[1] Admur Kama 4:18 and Siddur; Beis Yosef 4 in name of Mahari; Reishis Chochmah Sha’ar Hakedusha 16:33; Siddur Arizal of Rav Shabsi in name of Ramak; Sh’lah Sha’ar Ha’osiyos Kuf p. 103b; Olas Tamid 240:8; Elya Raba 240:16; Or Tzadikim 27:13; Ben Ish Chaiy Toldos 1:16; M”B 240:54; Yesod Veshoresh Ha’avoda 8:6; Kaf Hachaim 240:50 in name of Damesek Eliezer p. 326 and Kaf Hachaim 240:57; Sheyikadesh Atzmo [Nachmonson-2015] p.  398

[2] Magen Avraham 4:18; Seder Hayom Kavanas Neilas Yadayim; Elya Raba 4:12; Peri Megadim 4:18; Kaf Hachaim 4:63; M”B 4:38; Sheyikadesh Atzmo 39:2 [that this applies even if he remains touching his wife afterwards for the half-hour period]; Omitted by Admur. Vetzaruch Iyun.

The reason: In order to immediately remove the spirit of impurity from one’s hands and not delay it. [Poskim ibid]

[3] The Reason: The impure spirit resides on the hands upon having marital relations. This applies according to all. [Ketzos Hashulchan 2:11]

Likewise, it is done in order to banish Lilis from one’s midst. [Sefer Zechira]

[4] Reishis Chochmah Sha’ar Hakedusha 16:33

[5] Kaf Hachaim 240:50 in name of Damesek Eliezer

[6] Ben Ish Chaiy Toldos 16

[7] Siddur Arizal of Rav Shabsi

[8] Sh’lah Sha’ar Ha’osiyos Kuf p. 103b

[9] Ben Ish Chaiy Toldos 16; Kaf Hachaim 4:63; Ashel Avraham Butchach; Piskeiy Teshuvos 4:9

[10] Elya Raba 4:12; Machatzis Hashekel 4:17; Soles Belula 4:14; Machazik Bracha 4:6 in name of Makor Chaim; Ben Ish Chaiy Toldos 1:16; Kaf Hachaim 4:61; Ketzos Hashulchan 2 footnote 29 regarding Levaya; Olas Tamid; Sh’lah Sha’ar Ha’osiyos 9; Lev Chaim 1:63; Kaf Hachaim [Falagi] 7:26; Ruach Chaim 4:3; Chesed Le’alafim brought in Kaf Hachaim 4:61; M”B 4:39; Piskeiy Teshuvos 240:30

Background: Kama 4:18; M”A 4:17; Seder Hayom; K’neses Hagedola all rule that one is not required to wash three times. Nevertheless, the custom today has become to follow the opinions brought above.

[11] Admur Kama 4:18, “One does not need to pour the water on the hands three times”; M”A 4:17; Seder Hayom; K’neses Hagedola

[12] See Ketzos Hashulchan 2 footnote 29; Ben Ish Chaiy Toldos 16; Kaf Hachaim 4:62; Halichos Shlomo 20 footnote 86;

Other Opinions: Shulchan Hatahor 6 writes it suffices to pour three times consecutively on each hand. See Piskeiy Teshuvos 4 footnote 165

[13] Admur Kama 4:18; Michaber 4:18; See Chupas Eliyahu Sha’ar 8; Aron Eidus Parshas Metzora; Piskeiy Teshuvos 240:30 footnote 223; Sheyikadesh Atzmo 39:6

^[14] This means to say that he will come to sin, as one does not sin unless a spirit of insanity enters him. [Elya Raba 4:13; Kaf Hachaim 4:89]

[15] Elya Raba 240:15