15. What is one to do if there is no water available:
If there is no water available to wash with upon awakening, then [if he slept without clothing] he is to clean his hands with any matter that cleans in order to be allowed to recite blessings and learn Torah.[1] One does not recite a blessing on this cleansing.[2] [Regarding how many times one is to wipe his hands on the cleaning item-See Chapter 3 Halacha 7 Q&A]
[1] Siddur; See Chapter 3 Halacha 7
[2] Based on various rulings in Siddur: 1. All the laws that apply by washing for a meal apply likewise for the morning washing.
- A blessing may not be said on washing less than one time on each hand [Halacha 12]
Ruling of Admur in Kama: In Kama 4:3 Admur states: “If one does not have any water available at all and he desires to Daven immediately upon awakening, then [even if he slept in his clothing] he must clean his hands prior to Davening using a rock, dirt, beam of wood, or any other matter that cleans. Upon doing so he says the blessing of Asher Kidishanu Bemitzvosav Vetzivanu Al Nekiyas Yadayim.” Thus according to Kama after awakening in the morning, a blessing is always made on washing or cleaning the hands in preparation for the daily prayers, due to the reason mentioned in 4:1 to sanctify himself like a Kohen.
Other Opinions: This ruling of Kama follows the ruling of Michaber 4:22 and so rules M”B 4:58. The M”A 4:25 rules one is to only say the blessing of Al Netilas Yadayim. Some Poskim understand this to mean that one is to never say the blessing unless washing with water. [see Kaf Hachaim 4:105] The Kaf Hachaim ibid concludes that a blessing is not to be said due to Safek Brachos Lihakel.