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Netilat Yadaim

"I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge God (Hosea 2:19-20)."

The Abudirham associates the verses above with this blessing: we celebrate the unbreakable bond between God and Israel that is compared to the relationship between a   husband and wife. We raise our hands as if to show that we still carry the betrothal ring given to us at Sinai.


By: Rabbi Simcha Weinberg, neiro yair
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