#100: The Order of Kiddush and Netilat Yadayim

Rabbi Eli Ozarowski
  1. The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 271:12) writes that one should recite Kiddush and then wash one’s hands (netilat yadayim), followed by the recitation of Hamotzi. In this manner, Hamotzi is recited immediately following hands. This is the accepted practice in Sephardic communities and most Ashkenazic communities today (Aruch Hashulchan 271:33; Kaf Hachaim 271:76; Piskei Teshuvot 271:31).
  2. The Rema writes that the widespread practice in his time was to first perform netilat yadayim, recite Kiddush and then recite Hamotzi. Today, this practice is only accepted by certain Ashkenazic communities, specifically those who come from Germany. However, others who mistakenly washed before Kiddush should follow this practice and recite Kiddush afterward, followed by Hamotzi. For more information on this subject, seehttps://jewishpress.com/judaism/halacha-hashkafa/washing-before-kiddush-just-for-yekkes/2019/09/05; https://etzion.org.il/en/halakha/orach-chaim/prayer-and-blessings/talking-between-netilat-yadayim-and-ha-motzi.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.