Interruptions During Netilas Yadayim

Q. I just washed my hands (“netilas yadayim”) but have not yet recited the beracha. May I converse until I recite the bracha, or will that create a hefsek (interruption) between my washing and reciting a beracha? If not, may I answer Amen if the person next to me washes and says the bracha of netilas yadayim (or any other bracha for that matter)?

A. Rav Ovadya Yosef zt”l (Yebia Omer OC 8:20) discusses this question. He cites the Noda B’Yehuda who writes that many learned people continue talking until they recite the beracha. This is incorrect. As soon as you wash your hands, you may not talk until you recite Hamotzi. However, Rav Ovadya Yosef explains that answering Amen which is an obligation is different than regular talking. The only time it is forbidden to answer Amen is during the interval between reciting the beracha of netilas yadayim until the hands are dried, which is the completion of the mitzvah. Similarly, one may not answer Amen after reciting Hamotzi before swallowing the first bite, since this too will be an interruption. At all other points, one must answer Amen.

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