Can I Get Dressed Before Netilat Yadayim ?

Quiz

1 - Can I postpone netilat yadayim?

• It’s only a minhag, and if it’s not easy, it doesn’t need to be done
• No, it has to be done immediately upon awakening
• If necessary, it may be postponed until shacharis, but care must be taken not to touch any of the body’s orifices

2 - May I touch my body’s orifices prior to washing my hands?

• As long as you will wash your hands, there is no problem
• According to Kabbalah, it is dangerous to touch orifices prior to netilat yadayim
• If you awake in middle of the night, there are lenient opinions who hold that this danger is only upon awakening in the morning

3 - What are the reasons for netilat yadayim?

• To have clean hands for prayer
• To remove an evil spirit
• a and b