Al Netilas Yadayim

The audio recording (b"H, much clearer than my first attempt at recording a shiur) attached is from the "Tefillah: Beyond the Words" class, a discussion of the berakhah of "Al Netilas Yadayim".

• The class starts with a discussion of berakhos in general:
  • Various opinions of the meaning of the word "barukh",
  • the structure,
  • three conceptions of how to make a berakahah.
• Approaches to doing mitzvos:
  • To obtain holiness
  • to fulfill the commandment of G-d
  • Perspectives on the reason for morning hand-washing, and how it relates to holiness.