Netilat Yadayim - Ritual Hand Washing

Netilat Yadayim - Ritual Hand Washing

"Netilat yadayim" is the Jewish word depicting the religious washing of hand with the help of a cup.

This ritual or more commonly called ablution is the process of getting rid of all body impurities. Traditional Jews use special Jewish washing cups called "Yeddish" for the purpose of ablution. These traditional cups are made in silver and have two handles. The principal behind the two handles is that once the first hand gets washed it becomes pure and should not be touched by the other hand till washed and purified. The traditional practice calls for pouring water from the traditional "Yeddish" on each hand for three times and then alternating the hands.

This practice of using "Yeddish" cups to wash hands is also followed reformist Judaic clan as a mark to get rid of any kind of suffering and slavery.  The use of washing cups has been mentioned in the first written records of the Hebrew Bible. The Jewish washing cups therefore play an important part in the religious lives of the people. With time the ritual has been commercialised and demand has made art and design add to the dignity of the Jewish washing cups.

Some of the more popular designs and materials used in the making of the religious washing cups are as follows-

1.    Armenian chrome washing cups- These are simple and cheaper forms of the costlier traditional cups. Although simple in design but these cups are durable and long lasting.
2.    Pewter washing cups- These are rich in designs made up of exclusive golden motives. These cups show an amalgamation of both tradition and modern design.
3.    Ceramic washing cups- Ceramic cups are the most common and popular material used in making of the Jewish washing cups. The colours used are water proof and have the finest hand printing designs.

Besides the above, the traditional Jewish washing cups are made up of gold and more commonly silver.  Being expensive these materials are used in places of worship and only on special occasions. Besides keeping the demand and need of the common people in mind , steel Jewish washing cups and basins have invaded the market.

Originally found here

Picture originally found here

 

Related Articles

More From Traditions

Schlep

Apart from its definitive meaning and use, this schlep video is a parody of Uber and Lyft taxi…
Schlep

Tfillin

T'fillin, or phylacteries, are square black boxes traditionally worn on the head and arm.
Tfillin

What is a Get?

A get is a divorce under halacha, or Jewish law. The word can also refer to the document that…
What is a Get?

Kaddish

There are several Jewish traditions surrounding the death loved ones. We say the mourner’s…
Kaddish

Minyan

In many Jewish synagogues a minyan is required for public prayer times. A minyan is a group of…
Minyan

Tanach

The Hebrew Scriptures, also known as the Tanak contains 39 books divided into 3 sections. The…
Tanach

Jewish Guide to Shiva Practices

Shiva is a weeklong mourning period following the burial of an immediate relative in a Jewish…
Jewish Guide to Shiva Practices

How to Make Kiddish

Kiddush, like candles, sanctifies the Sabbath. Making kiddush is a simple religious act that…
How to Make Kiddish

Western Wall

The Western Wall is the western portion of the retaining wall of the Temple Mount where the…
Western Wall
The Name

The Name

Throughout the ages the Jewish people have been extremely careful to honor the name of God.…
The Name

Magen David

The Magen David is the six pointed star also known as the Star of David. Magen David literally…
Magen David

A Stone to Remember

Many cultures have different ways of dealing with death. One Jewish custom is to place a stone…
A Stone to Remember

The Jewish Calendar

LUNAR-SOLAR CALENDAR The Jewish calendar is based mainly on the phases of the moon; but it also…
The Jewish Calendar

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation