[Avodah] is mayim acharonim a chumra?

[kennethgmiller at juno.com]

R' Rich Wolpoe wrote:

> Is our society's use of napkins (serviettes) a halachiclly
> acceptable alternative to mayyim acharonim? If yes, then
> the minhag pashut to NOT wash mayyim acharonim could be
> defended on this basis.

and in the thread titled "Mayim Achronim - Washing after Eating Is "Mayim Achronim" a law or a stringency?", R' I. Balbin quoted a Tshuvah from Rav Aviner:

> 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 ... he may not recite
> the blessing without washing "Mayim Achronim."

As I understand it, Mayim Acharonim is about much more than simply having clean hands.

Mayim Acharonim must be done with a reviis of water; smaller amounts are invalid even if it is enough to clean the hands. Even the reviis has to come from a keli; washing from a faucet doesn't count. One may not talk after Mayim Acharonim; if he does then IIRC he has to wash again even though his hands are already clean.

Are these writers really talking about Mayim Acharonim, or are they talking about something else?

Akiva Miller

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