Ep. 93 - Laws of Final Waters and the Blessing After Meals - 1 (Siman 44)

In this Everyday Judaism episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe teaches Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 44: Laws of Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) and Mayim Acharonim (final hand-washing after the meal).Key Halachot:Mayim Acharonim — Wash hands before Birkat Hamazon (remove grease/dirt; avoid sharp salt entering eyes). Leader washes first. Wash into vessel or under table (not on ground—spirit of impurity rests on these waters). Dry hands thoroughly. No unnecessary interruption between washing and blessing.Table setup — Keep bread and tablecloth on table during Birkat Hamazon (shows abundance; provides vessel for blessing). Remove/cover knives (table = altar; iron shortens life, altar lengthens it). On Shabbos/Yom Tov, no need to cover knives (no Satan influence).Recitation — Birkat Hamazon must be said sitting (with awe/reverence, wearing jacket/hat for yiras shamayim). If delayed beyond digestion time (~72 min), still recite if continued eating or didn't leave table. If left table: return if bread remains; otherwise recite where you are.Spiritual depth — Birkat Hamazon thanks Hashem for sustenance; leaving bread shows abundance and creates vessel for blessing. Meals are for bonding, dignity, and self-control.The rabbi stresses: food is a divine gift—eat with gratitude, dignity, and focus. Personal story illustrates self-control at Kiddush. The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #33._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on February 15, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on May 6, 2026_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: [email protected]_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #blessings, #Kitzur, #Halacha, #EverydayJudaism, #BirkatHamazon, #MayimAcharonim, #GraceAfterMeals, #TableEtiquette, #JewishDignity, #SelfControl ★ Support this podcast ★