Episode
Ep. 93 - Laws of Final Waters and the Blessing After Meals - 1 (Siman 44)
- Published
- May 6, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1812
- Processing state
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- https://share.transistor.fm/s/a0a661af
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Summary
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, dignity, and self-control. The rabbi stresses: food is a divine gift—eat with gratitude, dignity, and focus. Personal story illustrates self-control at Kiddush. The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #33. _____________ The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way. _____________ This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshal…