peretzIn this video, Rabbi Joel Finkelstein outlines the circumstances in which one is required to perform the ritual hand-washing before a meal, according to Orthodox Jewish law. He demonstrates how to do this mitzvah correctly and offers additional spiritual significance, explaining how the Sages transformed what was once only a biblical requirement for the Kohanim (Priests) into an opportunity for every Jew to rise to a high level of sanctity. While Rabbi Finkelstein suggests washing each hand twice, some have the custom of doing so three times. Because this video is for demonstrative purposes, he substitutes the name of God “Adonai Eloheinu” with “Hashem Elokeinu” as to avoid casually saying the name of God out of the context of a blessing or prayer. Rabbi Finkelstein is the rabbi of the Modern Orthodox Anshei Sphard Beth El Emeth Congregation in Memphis, Tennessee.