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Upon Bathing - Netilat Yadayim

Netilat Yadayim -

Handwashing Blessing

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It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out
of the mouth; this defiles a person. - Jesus

Some of the Jewish sages have said that, immediately after arising, you should wash your hands from a vessel like the laver a priest used before performing his service in the Holy Temple. The morning ritual of washing oneself is sanctified by the netilat yadayim:

Blessed art thou, Lord our God, Master of the universe,
who hast sanctified us with thy commandments, and commanded us
about washing the hands.

Barukh attah Adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam,
asher kiddeshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu al netilat yadayim.

Note: this is the same blessing said after Shabbat Kiddush and during other Jewish holiday rituals.

Transliterated:

Netilat Yadayim

Hebrew Blessing Study Card:

Netilat Yadayim Study Card (3x5")

Netilat Yadayim cup and basin

How to wash your hands
Note that some Rabbinic authorites state that you should perform netilat yadayim before you get out of bed, before you touch food, and before you go to bed. Netilat yadayim is also part of the Passover Seder. Specially crafted hand-washing cups and basins are often used for these ceremonies.

Ritualistic Hand Washing

The ritual of netilat yadayim is actually a "ceremonial" cleansing. In fact, before engaging in this ritual, your hands should already be clean! Once your hands are clean, you fill a smooth-rimmed jug or glass with water, and pour it over your hands. Certain Rabbinical authorities state that you should pour the water three times on each hand - right, left, right, left, right, left. After "washing" the hands, they are clasped together and the blessing is recited.

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Hebrew for Christians
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