Ep. 93 - Laws of Final Waters and the Blessing After Meals - 1 (Siman 44)
About this episode
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses the laws of Birkat Hamazon and Mayim Acharonim in this episode of Everyday Judaism.
In this Everyday Judaism episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe teaches Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 44 : Laws of Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) and Mayim Acharonim (final hand-washing after the meal). Key Halachot: Mayim Acharonim — Wash hands before Birkat Hamazon (remove grease/dirt; avoid sharp salt entering eyes). Leader washes first. Wash into vessel or under table (not on ground—spirit of impurity rests on these waters). Dry hands thoroughly. No unnecessary interruption between washing and blessing. Table setup — Keep bread and tablecloth on table during Birkat Hamazon (shows abundance; provides vessel for blessing). Remove/cover knives (table = altar; iron shortens life, altar lengthens it). On Shabbos/Yom Tov, no need to cover knives (no Satan influence). Recitation — Birkat Hamazon must be said sitting (with awe/reverence, wearing jacket/hat for yiras shamayim). If delayed beyond digestion time (~72 min), still recite if continued eating or didn't leave table. If left table: return if bread remains; otherwise recite where you are. Spiritual depth — Birkat Hamazon thanks Hashem for sustenance; leaving bread shows abundance and creates vessel for blessing. Meals are for bonding…
People in this episode
Host: Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch
Places: Shabbos, Yom Tov
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