What is the actual method of washing (both sets of hands and feet at once, cover entire area, move the hands and feet to cover more area, etc.)?
How do the shiurim of Chazal fit into our understanding?
What is the shiur of enough for four Kohanim? How much is needed for one?
Other washings (Ntilas Yadayim and for Bircas haKohanim) are said to derive from this Avodah, yet do not follow its pattern
(this was a table in Word).
Kiddush Yadayim v'Raglayim Ntilas Yadayim (of the morning) Washing for Bircas haKohanim
Wash feet also Required Not done Not done
Mayim Chaim, no linah Required Not required Not required
Stream of Water From Kiyor - Yes No No
Koach Gavrah Not needed Needed needed
Vessel to hold Reviis Probably not Needed needed
Water all at once Yes (on hands and feet at same time) No - multiple times on each hand No on each hand and most do multiple times
Water to entire area Not necessary - do not need water on entire hand or on the entire foot Needed Needed
Water not to touch another area first Not necessary - touches hands and then feet Needed Needed
Ad ha Perek Does it mean some of the water must be within this area (since whole area does not need to receive)? Needed Needed
Hopefully you can follow my train of thought
I tried to be brief without citing sources
Thanks
Benyomin Hoffman, Los Angeles, USA
Dear Binyamin,
We'll try to answer in short.
Method: The Kohen places his right hand on right foot and applies water on the entire area, and then likewise on the left side. There is no mention by Kohanim of moving hands and feet to cover more area- all the area anyway must be washed (the Tosefta and Bartenura mention rubbing hand and foot together).
The amount of water is as stated: enough water to wash 4 times a Kohen's hands and feet. There is no specific volume given in units (you are invited to make experiments).
The table is basically accurate.(when and why multiple times for N'tilas Yadayid is a long subject).Enough water must be used to wet the entire area of Ad haPerek.
All the best,
Reuven Weiner