Band-Aids and Washing Netilas Yadayim

I have a Band-Aid on my finger. Do I need to remove it before washing netilas yadayim?

It depends. If the Band-Aid is covering a wound such that it would be painful to remove the bandage and it’s extremely unlikely it would be removed during eating, then it need not be removed during netilas yadayim (one should be careful to use a revi’is of water). If the Band-Aid is simply covering a sore, or is somehow dispensable such that it might be removed during the meal, it should be removed before netilas yadayim (Mishna Berurah 161:5).

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.