Mayim achronim, the washing of the hands at the conclusion of a bread meal before bentching, is observed by many families as a meaningful and halachically rooted custom at the Shabbos and Yom Tov table. At Eichlers, we carry mayim achronim sets in silver and elegant designs, suited to everyday Shabbos use and as meaningful gifts for a new home.
Mayim achronim, literally final waters, refers to the practice of washing the fingertips at the end of a meal that included bread, before reciting Birkas HaMazon. The Gemara discusses this washing as a halachic requirement tied to the salt that was commonly handled during the meal, with various reasons given including concerns about residue that could be uncomfortable or even harmful if it came into contact with the eyes during bentching. While the original halachic concern centered on specific substances that are far less common today, many communities, particularly Sephardic and Chassidic families, maintain the practice as an established minhag, washing the fingertips briefly before beginning Birkas HaMazon.
Unlike netilas yadayim before the meal, mayim achronim involves washing only the fingertips rather than the full hand, and no bracha is recited over this washing. A small amount of water is poured over the fingers, typically caught in a basin or plate passed around the table, after which those participating wipe their fingertips before beginning bentching together. This relatively quick custom is often performed communally at the table, with a designated cup and basin passed from person to person.
Silver mayim achronim sets typically include a small cup or pitcher for pouring alongside a matching basin or tray to catch the water, designed specifically for this brief tabletop washing rather than the larger two-handled cup used for netilas yadayim. These sets range from simple, understated designs through more decorative pieces with engraved patterns or filigree work, and many families choose a set that coordinates with their other silver Shabbos table pieces.
Consider how the set will actually be used at your table when selecting a design. A set with a smaller pouring vessel and a shallow, easy-to-pass basin works well for a family that performs this custom communally, passing the set from person to person around the table. The size of the basin matters most, since it needs to comfortably catch water from several fingertips without spilling as it moves around a crowded table.
A mayim achronim set is a thoughtful and somewhat distinctive gift for families who observe this minhag, particularly meaningful for Sephardic and Chassidic households where the custom is more universally maintained. It pairs naturally with other Shabbos table silver as part of a wedding gift, giving a couple a complete set of the pieces used throughout their Friday night and Shabbos day meals. Browse our full wedding gifts and Judaica collection for more meaningful pieces to pair with a mayim achronim set.
Dry the cup and basin after each use to prevent water spots, and use a silver polish formulated for sterling or plated silver periodically to maintain its shine. Pay particular attention to any engraved or decorative details on the basin, where polish residue can collect and become difficult to remove if not addressed carefully during cleaning.
A mayim achronim set is a meaningful addition to a complete Shabbos table. Eichlers carries everything else you need as well.
Mayim achronim is the washing of the fingertips at the end of a bread meal, performed before reciting Birkas HaMazon. Unlike netilas yadayim before the meal, no bracha is recited, and only the fingertips are washed rather than the full hand.
The custom is more universally maintained in Sephardic and Chassidic communities, though some Ashkenazi families observe it as well. Practices vary, so follow your family's established minhag or ask your Rov if you're unsure of your community's custom.
Netilas yadayim before the meal uses a two-handled cup, involves washing the full hand, and includes a bracha. Mayim achronim involves only the fingertips, uses a smaller cup and basin, and has no bracha recited over it.
Look for a basin shallow and wide enough to comfortably catch water from several fingertips if the set will be passed around the table, paired with a pouring vessel sized appropriately for a brief tabletop washing rather than a full handwashing.
Yes, particularly for families who observe the custom regularly. It pairs well with other Shabbos table silver as part of a complete wedding gift set. Browse our wedding gifts and Judaica collection for more ideas.
Dry the cup and basin after each use to prevent water spots, and polish periodically with a silver polish formulated for sterling or plated silver, taking care around any engraved or decorative details on the basin.