Q&A: On the Fine Points of Jewish Law in Morning Hand-Washing
On the Fine Points of Jewish Law in Morning Hand-Washing
Question
Assuming that the reason for washing one’s hands in the morning is to remove an evil spirit, so that it won’t harm you (that’s the reason that appears in the Talmudic text, in Kabbalah, and in school),
why are there detailed halakhic rules and specifics involved?
Does the evil spirit need us to perform a ritual for it?
I understand the fine points of Jewish law regarding the lulav, shofar, and tzitzit.
The Holy One, blessed be He, commanded them, and it has to be done in a very specific way. There is Jewish law, and there are enhancements of the commandment, etc.
So that it will be desirable and acceptable in God’s eyes.
But if we’re talking about a command that is really strategic advice—to avoid being harmed by the evil spirit—
are there really very special and specific rituals to appease the spirit so that it will leave? (That has a very negative connotation.)
After all, this is not a commandment meant to please the Holy One, blessed be He (unless you explain it like the medieval authorities do, that it is for purification before prayer),
but rather to remove the spirit.
Fine, you could say that food kept under a bed should not be consumed, because spirits have power there, etc.
That is a matter of avoidance.
But to perform very specific rituals, with all sorts of details and precision—doesn’t that turn it into something with the connotation of worship, God forbid, directed toward some other power?
Answer
First, that reason does not appear in the Talmudic text but in the Zohar (and in Rashi). The medieval authorities give other reasons as well.
But I don’t understand your basic question. If it weren’t because of an evil spirit, would you understand these rituals better? Whatever the reason may be, why are rituals needed? And with the lulav, that doesn’t bother you? But if it is because of an evil spirit, then suddenly there is a problem with the fact that rituals are required? Why? Maybe it only flees if you do it in exactly that way. a0
And finally, I don’t understand what rituals you are talking about. The Talmudic text says it should be done three times, and that is the halakhic ruling. That’s it.