Hand washing in Israel: a simple gesture full of meaning
Hand washing in Israel is much more than a simple and banal gesture, I’ll tell you how I discovered it… Discovering the Mystery of the Handwashing Jug in Israel
I’m traveling in Israel with my family, and we’re at a traditional restaurant in the Neve Tzedek neighborhood. (If you’re curious about the 10 must-see places in Tel Aviv, check out this article.) As we wait for the falafel we’ve ordered for the entire table, I head to the restroom to wash my hands. Inside the sink, I notice a small jug. I don’t think much of it at first—just an interesting detail of the restaurant’s decor.
The next day, a different restaurant in another part of town, and there it is again—a small jug in the sink near the ladies’ restroom. And again, with every stop for food, the little jug reappears in the sink!
Without a guide to explain this cultural nuance, I’m left curious—frustratingly so—about the meaning of this peculiar setup. It becomes almost an obsession to uncover the mystery. Was the jug a random choice of decoration, or did it serve a specific purpose?
Finally, the mystery begins to unfold when I witness a girl using the jug during her handwashing routine.
Her actions were fascinating and somewhat enigmatic. I stood transfixed for a few moments, probably looking a bit odd staring from the restroom entrance. But this wasn’t ordinary handwashing under running water. The girl filled the jug from the tap and then poured the water, bit by bit, over each hand in turn.
The mystery was partly solved, but now I had even more questions.
Naturally, I turned to my smartphone to dig deeper. The search results were abundant—hundreds of explanations and insights. That’s when I discovered something entirely new to me: “Netilat Yadayim,” a Jewish ritual of handwashing that symbolizes the elevation and purification of the hands.
COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:
What is Netilat Yadayim?
Netilat Yadayim is performed before certain activities, including:
- Rising in the morning
- Eating, especially bread
- Praying
- After touching intimate or unclean parts of the body, cutting nails, or leaving a cemetery
How Does It Work?
Before completing the handwashing, it’s common to recite a special blessing. The minimum amount of water required is 1/4 of a log (a unit of liquid measure equal to the volume of about one and a half eggs). The water should cover at least up to the middle joints of the fingers. Using more water is considered praiseworthy according to Jewish law.
And there it is—the connection between this ritual and the jug placed in restaurant sinks. A fascinating blend of tradition, spirituality, and practicality.
Final Thoughts
Recently, I came across This fantastic article online that dives deeper into the history and significance of Netilat Yadayim. It’s especially interesting to see how this tradition has gained even more relevance during the global pandemic.
I invite you to read: “Handwashing (Netillat Yadayim) Between Mitzvah and Hygiene” by Massimo Giuliani.
Il lavaggio delle mani (netillat yadaim) tra mitzwà e igiene
If you want to learn more about Israel’s unique traditions and customs, I invite you to explore this article, where I share even more fascinating details about this incredible country.
Don’t miss my guide to Israeli cuisine, which includes dishes you can try at home, and my list of must-see attractions in Tel Aviv, the “Miami of the Mediterranean.”
It’s extraordinary when curiosity leads to discovery—that’s why one should never stop being curious, never. Curiosity is the generative force of knowledge, and knowledge elevates humanity. From this generative force (curiosity), Lety uncovers the sacred behind a seemingly insignificant daily gesture—yet one so full of meaning.
In Israel, handwashing is much, much more than a simple act. It is connected to purification, sacred rituals, and Judaism.
It’s wonderful that you’ve given so much meaning to such a natural action, and it’s equally wonderful that such a natural action can be the genesis of such a profound discovery. Thank you, Lety!
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This was a fascinating post and very informative. Thank you for sharing this. 😉🌹
Thank you so much to you Elizabeth for reading my post!