At the conclusion of a meal in which we ate bread, we say the Birchat Hamazon, thanking Hashem for giving us sustenance. Before reciting the Grace after Meals, we rinse our fingertips. This washing is called Mayim Achronim, final waters (as opposed to Mayim Rishonim first waters, which refer to the required hand washing before consuming bread).
Our selection features all kinds of dishes for Mayim Achronim, and sets of Mayim Achronim dishes. From silver-plated to pewter, from ceramic to glass.
Read the source and the reasons for washing the hands with Mayim Achronim. Also read some customs.
The Shulchan Aruch states that Mayim Achronim Chova
. According to Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg, women are included in this obligation to the same degree as men. (see Customs)
Some people have the custom to not wash Mayim Achronim. Since Melach Sedomit is virtually non-existent today, and the concept of cleanliness, is a relative matter and most people don't consider their hands dirty after a meal, therefore washing them would not be necessary.
Read more at
- Talmud Bavli, Chulin, 105a,b and Tosfot
- Talmud Bavli, Berachot, 53b and Tosafot
- Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, 181:1, 10; and Mishnah Berurah, 22.
There are two reasons which are offered:
- Just as a soiled Kohen is invalid to perform the Temple Service in the Beit Hamikdash, so too soiled hands make a person unfit to say a blessing;
- To clean off any Melach Sedomit, which might be on the hands. Melach Sedomit was a strong salt, harmful to the eyes.
- Some have the custom of brushing the still-moist fingertips over the lips.
- Unlike other ritual hand washings, no specific amount of water is required; as long as the fingertips are rinsed. Some wash until the upper knuckles.
- After washing Mayim Achronim, one should refrain from talking until beginning Birchat Hamazon.
- The water which was used for Mayim Achronim is removed from the table for the duration of Birchat Hamazon (Kaf Hachaim)
- Although many are of the opinion that women should also wash Mayim Achronim, the prevailing custom amongst Ashkenazi women is not to do so.
(Some explain that women tend to be more careful about maintaining personal cleanliness while eating; meticulously using cutlery, etc., and therefore need not wash their hands for the reasons mentioned. Others add that nowadays, with the absence of Sodomite salt, Mayim Achronim is merely a custom, and not required by law. Thus this custom is only binding on those who accepted it, which the women did not (Mor Uktzia; Shalot U'Tshuvot Shevet Halevi).
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