List of actions:
The hands are considered dirty after performing any of the following actions. [This applies even if the hands do not visibly appear dirty.[1]]
- Hands that touched the normally covered areas of the body.[2]
- Hands that scratched ones head.[3] (However one who merely placed his hands on his head, or even rubbed his head such as to dry his hair, but did not actually scratch between the hairs, is not required to wash.[4])
- Hands that touched lice:[5] If one touched a lice from a sweaty area [i.e. such as from ones hair, or normally covered part of the body] then it is forbidden to learn Torah or Daven until one cleans his hands. However, if it is touched in an area that does not contain sweat then when it’s not required to clean his hands prior to learning Torah or Davening.
- One who touched ear wax.[6]
- One who touched mucus from his nose. [7] [If however the mucus is dry one is not required to clean his hands unless he touched the inside of his nose.[8]]
- One who slept naked[9] [or without being fully clothed[10], even during the day.[11]] [This however only applies if one slept a set sleep. If however one slept a temporary sleep then he may learn Torah and recite blessings even prior to cleaning the hands.[12] The same applies if during the day he slept a set sleep but was fully clothed.[13] Nevertheless it is necessary to eventually wash the hands in order to remove the impure spirit as explained in Halacha 4A.]
- Learning Torah and reciting blessings after using the bathroom, prior to cleaning the hands:[14] If one used his hands to wipe himself, [or he touched a normally covered area while using the bathroom[15]] he is required to clean his hands prior to learning Torah or reciting blessings. If however he did not dirty his hands or touch any normally covered part of his body, then he is not required to wash [or clean] his hands prior to learning or reciting a blessing. Nevertheless, even in such a case, it is proper to wash ones hands. See Chapter 7 Halacha 14 for the full details of this subject.
[1] Kaf Hachaim 4:103; as perhaps there is dirt on the hands which is not visible. [ibid]
[2] Admur 92:5-7; 164:2 [such as the thigh and leg]; 7:2; Siddur
The reason: As the normally covered areas of the body contain sweat which dirty the hands. [92:7; 164:2]
[3] Admur 92:7; 164:2
[4] Admur 164:2 Parentheses in original.
[5] Admur 97:3; See M”A 97:7
[6] Admur 92:7; Rama 92:7; Chayeh Adam 22:9; Shaar Hakavanos; Kaf Hachaim [Falagi] 8:30; Machazik Bracha 92:4; Many Poskim mentioned in Kaf Hachaim 4:97
Other Opinions: The Mor Uketzia and Gra are lenient regarding one who touches mucus that he is not required to clean his hands before prayer or learning Torah. [brought in M”B 92:28] Shaareiy Teshuvah 92:2 brings the Machazik Bracha who argues on this opinion. Ashel Avraham Butchach 92; Mahrsham 3:241 are lenient.
[7] Admur 92:7; Rama 92:7; Poskim in previous footnote
Other Opinions: The Mor Uketzia and Gra are lenient regarding one who touches mucus that he is not required to clean his hands before prayer or learning Torah. [brought in M”B 92:28] Shaareiy Teshuvah 92:2 brings the Machazik Bracha who argues on this opinion.
[8] Kaf Hachaim [Falagi 4:30] brought in Kaf Hachaim 4:97
[9] Basra 1:6; 4:1; Kama 4:3; Siddur; As most probably one touched the uncovered parts of the body. [ibid]
[10] M”B 4:60; Peri Megadim 4 A”A 27; Kaf Hachaim 4:109
[11] As at night it is anyways forbidden to learn Torah prior to washing after awakening due to the impure spirit. However upon awakening from sleeping during the day, although one is to wash his hands as explained in chapter 4 Halacha 20, nevertheless he may learn Torah before doing so, as long as he cleans his hands on other matters.
[12] M”B 4:60; Peri Megadim 4 A”A 27; As only when one sleeps a set sleep do we assume that he touched his normally covered areas.
[13] Kama 4:3; Basra 4:7
[14] 7:2; 613:4
[15] 7:2; 92:5-7; 164:2; Seder Birchas Hanehnin 13:17