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Does Washing After the Bathroom in the Morning Count as Netilat Yadayim

Question

In the morning, if after using the bathroom one washes hands three times, can that count as the netilat yadayim for the bracha?

Answer

Yes, washing three times after using the bathroom can count as the netilat yadayim for the bracha.

Sources

The Mishnah Berurah treats a person who wakes up, washes his hands three times, and then uses the bathroom. When he comes out, he washes a second time and says Asher Yatzar. The Mishnah Berurah writes that it is even better not to recite the bracha of Al Netilat Yadayim until after this second washing, done on leaving the bathroom. If he needed to relieve himself at the time of the first washing, he certainly should not bless on that first washing. He also cites the Chayei Adam, and the practice of the Gra, that it is proper to wait with Al Netilat Yadayim until after one has relieved himself. This shows that the washing done after using the bathroom in the morning can serve as the netilat yadayim on which the bracha is said.

  • Mishnah Berurah 4:4 — it is preferable to recite Al Netilat Yadayim only on the second washing done after leaving the bathroom, and the Chayei Adam and the Gra waited to bless until after relieving themselves

Author

Rabbi Shay Tahan

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