Talking During Netilas Yadayim or Before Hamotzi

Am I permitted to speak during netilas yadayim or between netilas yadayim and hamotzi?

While a person washes one’s hands it is forbidden to speak until one makes the blessing al netilas yadayim (Drashos HaTzlach, 4:22). The bracha applies to the mitzvah of washing and there should be no interruption between the mitzvah and the bracha.

If a person did speak before making the blessing he should again wash netilas yadayim. One should first rub his scalp or touch his shoe so that a blessing on the new netila will be justified (Piskei Teshuvos, 158:122).

After netilas yadayim it is preferable not to talk until hamotzi is recited (Shulchan Aruch 166:1). Bidieved, if one did speak he is not required to wash netilas yadayim again provided that he did not have hesech hadaas, any distraction from maintaining the cleanliness of his hands (Mishnah Brurah 166:6).

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.