Greetings, esteemed friends. Welcome to the V'kom Mizrahi edition of Bekiim Behalacha. We dedicate this session to a complete recovery for Chaim ben Mazal, and we pray for his healing among all the sick of Israel. This session is also dedicated by his children for his success and health. Today, we are on page 68, and we reflect on the teachings we learned yesterday regarding the proper practice of ritual hand-washing.
It is essential to wash one's hands up to the wrist, and to achieve this effectively, one must use a substantial amount of water. Simply holding the hands stationary will not suffice; the water must be allowed to flow over all parts of the hands. I recall observing the great Rabbi Kaledetzky, who, when visiting my home, ensured that he lifted his sleeve and moved his hands to ensure that the water reached every area. Moreover, one should not minimize the use of water. Although a revi'it of water is technically sufficient for purification, the Halacha encourages using an abundance of water to ensure thorough cleansing.
The Gemara recounts that Rav Chisda stated, "I washed my hands with full palms of water," and he emphasized that in heaven they granted him abundant goodness. This raises an important question: Can one fulfill a mitzvah with the intention of becoming wealthy? The Pirkei Avot advises against serving God primarily for reward, suggesting that one should serve for the sake of Heaven. However, the Shnei Luchot Habrit clarifies that this applies only to fulfilling the mitzvah as prescribed. If one goes beyond the requirements, it is permissible to seek reward.
Thus, while the minimum requirement is to use a revi'it of water with the intention of serving God, if one uses an abundance of water, they may also attach intentions for blessings and wealth. Indeed, in the introduction to Bekiim Behalacha, there is a reference from the Zohar Hakadosh that tells of a poor man who washed his hands with an abundance of water and subsequently became wealthy. The Zohar teaches that any mitzvah performed is an auspicious moment for prayer, suggesting that one may recite a specific prayer before performing Netilat Yadayim.
This prayer, as noted in the Sefer Ma'avar Yabbok, goes: "Master of the universe, fill my hands with your blessings, may your servant's home be blessed by you forever, oh Father, bless us all as one with the light of your countenance." This beautiful blessing encapsulates the essence of seeking divine favor. The question then arises: If using a minimal amount of water may not be seen as belittling the mitzvah, does it still carry the risk of poverty? Some opinions suggest that using the minimum amount could lead to financial hardship, as indicated by the Beis Yosef. Therefore, it is prudent to be extra careful and use the appropriate amount of water.
To summarize today's discussion: One should move their hands around to ensure the water reaches all parts effectively. It is advisable to use an abundance of water, which allows for the possibility of attaching blessings or prayers for wealth. While performing the minimum should be done for the sake of the mitzvah, the Acharonim have noted that it is permissible to perform beyond the halachic requirements for the sake of reward. An example from the Gemara in Berachot illustrates this, where Rabbi Zera would stand for the Talmidei Chachamim as they passed, indicating that he was engaging in a mitzvah while also acknowledging the possibility of receiving reward.
In conclusion, the Arizal teaches that the connection between standing for Talmidei Chachamim and fearing God implies that the reward for such actions is a greater fear of Heaven. Therefore, while one may seek reward when performing beyond the minimum, it is crucial to maintain the intention of fulfilling the mitzvah. A person might consider composing a personal prayer in their own language, expressing a desire for blessings as they perform the mitzvah of Netilat Yadayim with an abundance of water. Such intentions align with the principle that "whoever adds will receive more goodness."
Today’s lesson provides a significant reinforcement of the mitzvah of Netilat Yadayim. With God's help, we will continue our exploration tomorrow. May we all be strengthened and blessed, and may God's name be praised forever. Amen and amen.