[Avodah] Mayim achronim

[Rich, Joel]

>From Rav Aviner's Commentary on Birkat Ha-Mazon, entitled Shir
Ha-Ma'alot
Mayim Achronim - Washing after Eating
Is "Mayim Achronim" a law or a stringency? It is called an obligation in
the Talmud (Berachot 53b). The Tosafot (ibid.) however writes that the
reason for this washing is "salt from sodom" - a type of salt which can
make one blind if it touches the eye, and since in our days this type of
salt is uncommon, this custom creates no obligation to wash "Mayim
Achronim." But there is another reason given for this washing: The Torah
says (Vayikra 11:44), "For I am Hashem, your God - and you shall
sanctify yourselves and you shall become holy..." The Talmud (ibid.)
explains that "and you shall sanctify yourselves" refers to "Mayim
Rishonim - washing before eating" and "you shall become holy" refers to
"Mayim Achronim - washing after eating." This means that one should not
bless Hashem with soiled hands. This law is not stated explicitly with
regard to the blessing after eating, but with regard to all blessings,
whether they are in the middle of a meal or the middle of the day
(Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 181, Shaar Ha-Tzion #32). Therefore, all
depends on the situation. One who eats neatly without becoming soiled
from the food is exempt from "Mayim Achronim." But if his hands are
dirty, and it is to a degree that he would be careful to wash them for
reasons of cleanliness or even because he is overly sensitive with
regard to dirty hands, he may not recite the blessing without washing
"Mayim Achronim." If his hands are completely clean, he is exempt
according to the Halachah, although he is still required to according to
the Kabbalists - the mystics (Mishnah Berurah ibid. #22). There is
certainly no difference between men and women in regard to "Mayim
Achronim." 

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