One who has marital relations is required to wash his hands [immediately] afterwards.[2] [This applies to both the husband and the wife.[3]]
Q&A
How many times is one to wash the hands?[4]
Although from the letter of the law washing one time suffices, the custom is to wash ones hands three times [in-consecutively[5]].
To Purchase this Sefer click here
[1] Kama 4/18 and Siddur
[2] The Reason: The impure spirit resides on the hands upon having marital relations. This applies according to all. See Halacha 2 in footnotes.
[3] Ben Ish Chaiy Toldos 16
[4] 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 16; Kaf Hachaim 4/61; Ketzos Hashulchan 2 footnote 29 regarding Levaya; Olas Tamid; Shlah Shaar Haosiyos 9; Lev Chaim 1/63; Kaf Hachaim [Falagi] 7/26; Ruach Chaim 4/3; Chesed Lealafim brought in Kaf Hachaim 4/61.
Background
Kama 4/18; M”A 4/17; Seder Hayom; Kneses Hagedola all rule that one is not required to wash three times. Nevertheless the custom today has become to follow the opinions brought above
[5] 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
Leave A Comment?
You must be logged in to post a comment.