Why No Beracha on Mayim Achronim?

Q. Why is a beracha not recited on mayim achronim?

A. As previously noted, the Talmud offers two reasons for mayim achronim: a) to remove melech Sedomis which might cause blindness, and b), to clean our hands as a preparation for benchting. The Mishnah Berurah (181:17) notes that according to the first reason (we wash our hands to remove Sedomis salt) no beracha should be recited, since we only recite berachos on mitzvos and not on safety precautions. However, according to the second reason (we wash our hands as a preparation for benching) it might be assumed that a beracha should be said. Indeed, there were Rishonim (such as the Raavad - Tamim Dayim 66) who wrote that if one’s hands are dirty, a beracha is recited on mayim achronim. Nonetheless, the Schulchan Aruch (OC 181:7) writes that a beracha is not recited when washing mayim achronim. The Mishna Berura explains that a proper preparation of our hands for benching would include washing with water to remove soil and then anointing with special oils. Since it is no longer customary to anoint with oil, the preparation is not finished and a beracha cannot be recited on an incomplete mitzvzh. The Aruch Hashulchan (181:4) offers an additional explanation why a beracha is not said. He explains that the beracha of “al netilas yadayim” that was recited at the beginning of the meal before hamotzi also covers the final washing of mayim achronim at the conclusion of the meal.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.