Does the consequence of forgetfulness for not washing hands after touching shoes apply to someone who is not aware of this?

 

Question:

Some mitzvot have specific consequences associated with their neglect. For example, I recently read that forgetfulness is associated with neglecting to wash one’s hands after certain activities.

In such cases where a specific consequence is specified (in Shulchan Aruch or elsewhere in Halacha), do these consequences apply only to those who know the halacha and deliberately disregard it? Or do the consequences apply to all Jews who are obligated in the relevant mitzvah, whether or not they know about the consequence? That is, does ignorance exempt one from these consequences?

For example, say a Jew does not know that, after touching his shoes, he is meant to rinse his hands before davening. Does the consequence of forgetfulness apply to him—or is he exempt (safe from the consequence) because he does know?

 

Answer:

There is no general answer.

In the case you mentioned it applies only if it’s intentional. It also only applies when davening or learning thereafter.

 

Sources:

כ״מ במחז״ו ריש מס׳ סופרים: ואינו מקבל עליו ליטול ידיו. ופשוט שהוא רק מחמת העדר הזהירות. ולהעיר ממקו״ח לבעל חו״י ד, יח, שאף להדעות דבכל גווני צריך ליטול ידיו – פשוט דהעונש רק בכה״ג. וראה זכור דבר ח״ב בהרחב דבר נה, ג.

 

 

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