The Nussach: Making an interval between Elokaiy and Neshama:[1] One is required to make a slight break between the words Elokaiy and Neshama, in order so it does not sound like one is saying that his soul is his G-d. [The Rebbe Rashab would also make an interval between the […]

    One who awoke before daybreak and plans to return to sleep:[1] If one awoke[2] [in middle of the night, even past midnight] and knows that he will be going back to sleep a set[3] sleep for a second time, he should say the blessing of Elokaiy Neshama without […]

Reciting the blessing after the second washing:[1] After awakening in the morning one is to wash his hands [near his bed] without saying a blessing, immediately[2] proceed to use the bathroom, and [immediately] after leaving the bathroom he is to wash his hands a second time and recite the blessing […]

When are the morning blessings to be recited; at home or in Shul? The ruling in Shulchan Aruch: Al Netilas Yadayim; Asher Yatzar; Elokaiy Neshama:[1] These three blessings are to be recited immediately upon awakening as explained in Chapter 6. Hanosen Lasechvi Binah through Hagomel Chassadim Tovim:[2] These blessings were […]

What is Birchas Hashachar?[1] Birchas Hashachar is a list of daily blessings instituted by the Sages to be said as a blessing to G-d in accordance to the typical daily pleasures that people benefit from. The blessings were instituted to be said at the time that one first receives these […]

The morning blessings: According to Chabad custom one that did not sleep throughout the night is to nevertheless recite all the morning blessings himself, including washing hands with Al Netilas Yadayim[1], Elokaiy Neshama[2], Hamavir Sheiyna[3], Birchas Hatorah[4], and all the other morning blessings.[5] This however is with exception to the […]

  ​   Q&A on walking four Amos May one sit up on his bed prior to washing hands? Some[1] avoid sitting up on the bed prior to washing hands.[2]   May one place his feet on the ground prior to washing?[3] One[4] is to beware from placing his feet on the […]

Q&A on touching food and liquids What is the law of food or drink that was touched prior to washing hands in the morning after awakening?[1] The dispute amongst Poskim: Many Poskim[2] rule the food and drink remains permitted to be eaten. Other Poskim[3] rule that it may not be […]

Not to touch food and drink:[1] [It goes without saying that one must be very careful[2]] not to touch any food or drink prior to washing in order not to contaminate it. [Women must be especially warned regarding this as the majority of the food preparations are done by them.[3]] […]

Not to touch the washing water:[1] One must be [very[2]] careful[3] not to touch the water in the vessel before washing[4] as one who does so contaminates the water with his hands [and is considered as if it was already used and is hence invalid for washing[5]]. Thus one must […]