[Avodah] Reciting Hamotzi at a Simcha

[Prof. L. Levine]

>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis


Q. Next to the washing station at a simcha hall there are cut up pieces of pita. At my table there is a whole roll. Is it preferable for me to recite Hamotzi right away, to minimize the hefsek (delay) between washing and Hamotzi, or should I wait until I return to my table so I can recite Hamotzi on a whole loaf of bread?

A. First, let's review the general halochos of hefsek between netilas yadayim and Hamotzi. Shulchan Aruch (OC 166:1) quotes a dispute whether one is required to recite Hamotzi immediately after washing netilas yadayim, or is it not necessary. Because of the uncertainty, the Shulchan Aruch concludes that it is best not to delay. The Rema adds that if one waited between drying their hands and reciting Hamotzi longer than the time it takes to walk 22 amos (approximately 10 seconds), it is considered a hefsek. Nonetheless, the Mishnah Berurah (ibid s”k 6) writes that although it is preferable to make Hamotzi immediately after netilas yadayim, if a significant break did occur, it is not necessary to wash again. However, Igeros Moshe (OC 2:48) notes that speaking between washing and Hamotzi is a more significant hefsek and would necessitate netilas yadayim and a new bracha (unless what was spoken related to the meal).

Regarding our original question, although in normal circumstances, it is preferable not to delay reciting Hamotzi, nonetheless, the importance of reciting Hamotzi on a whole loaf (which adds honor to the bracha) is an overriding consideration and takes precedence. (See Mishnah Berurah 167:4 and 27).

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