Using Juice for Mayim Achronim

Q. May one use juice instead of water for mayim achronim?

A. Shulchan Aruch (OC 181:9) writes that all liquids may be used for mayim achronim. Nonetheless, the Mishnah Berurah (181:20) writes that it is preferable to use water because it is wasteful to use other liquids. However, if water is unavailable, all other liquids (except wine) are acceptable. Wine is an exception because it is used for the performance of many mitzvos and has special importance. It is inappropriate to denigrate wine by using it for washing purposes. Although the Mishnah Berurah writes that ideally one should not use other liquids for mayim achronim, Eitz Hasadeh (siman 32 note 59) quotes Rav Elyashiv zt”l that leftover drinks that will not be finished may be used for mayim achronim. This is not considered wasteful since the drink will be discarded in any event. However, wine may not be used even if it will be spilled out because it is a demeaning use of wine.

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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.