Top Netilat Yadayim Washing Cups & Towels from Israel

The start to a Jewish morning begins with washing hands right after waking up. In fact, the best practice in traditional Jewish sources is to keep the washing cup with water in a bowl near the bed before doing anything else. They're also used before washing on bread, as you may have seen for instance ahead of the Shabbat meal. With two handles, so that the water can be poured over each hand without getting re-dirtied, it is also a beautiful piece beyond its mere function.

1. Yair Emanuel Stainless Steel Pomegranates Washing Cup

Yair Emanuel, one of the best known Israeli designers, combines modern style and traditional craftsmanship. The body of the cup is made from hammered stainless steel, with the handles made out of brass. At either end of the handle is a pomegranate-on-the-branch design. The pomegranate is a traditional Jewish symbol, adding not only beauty but also meaning to the piece.

2. Netilat Yadayim Washing Cup from Yair Emanuel - Design Option

Another version of the Netilat Yadayim cup from Yair Emanuel here takes a traditional design and adds modern detailing. The shape of the body is a classic form that's been seen for a long time in Jewish history, but along the side is printed "Netilat Yadayim" in Hebrew, and one of several motifs. It's bordered by studs and hammered metal. The piece is available in different design options including pomegranates, Star of David, and Jerusalem.

3. Dorit Judaica Netilat Yadayim Handwashing Set – Red Floral Design

Looking for a cup to display for hosting Shabbat? This set is a great choice, with a decorative washing cup in a unique shape, but also a matching hand towel made from soft, 100% cotton. Both items in this set have a red, floral motif and the words "Netilat Yadayim", with the words neatly framed all over a white background. Dorit Judaica's set is a great way to add some beauty into the act of hand washing on Shabbat, holidays, or any other occasion.

4. Yair Emanuel Pomegranate Netilat Yadayim Washing Cup - Choice of Design

Getting a traditional netilat yadayim cup is a great choice. This one is decorated with colorful, painted enamel, either in a sky blue or in a cream colored background. The words are bordered by a wreath of pomegranates and the words "netilat yadayim" in Hebrew. The base is made from hammered steel with smooth handles. This is a gorgeous cup that is not only pracvtical but will be like a decoration by the sink every day.

5. Yair Emanuel Mayim Achronim Set - Hanging Pomegranates

While a meal starts with washing netilat yadayim, it ends with mayim achronim, literally "water after". This gorgeous cup looks like a well to be passed around the table at the end of the pomegranate branch, collected into the hammered stainless steel bowl. The pomegranate branch and handle are made from copper, with polished highlights. This is a stunning piece that will express beauty and personality when you break it out for your next meal.

6. Dorit Judaica Netilat Yadayim Towel - Pomegranates

Practically speaking, there is no netilat yadayim without a hand towel. To add beauty to your next Shabbat or holiday meal, this towel is a great way. It has artistically rendered pomegranates, laid over a black and white pattern with branches. This is set over a gray, cotton terrycloth towel that will look great hung up by the sink.

7. Yair Emanuel Bamboo Pomegranates Washing Cup (Netilat Yadayim)

New materials have always opened options for creativity. This is a netilat yadayim cup made with bamboo pressed in an elastic way almost like a metal or plastic. This is printed with pomegranates on the branches over the melamine body which has a texture that is smooth yet sturdy. This is great as a special netilat yadim cup for having guests, or in smaller spaces like a dorm, as it is light and durable.

8. Jerusalem Motif Netilat Yadayim Washing Cup (Choice of Colors)

Getting a netilat yadayim cup can be a great way to add meaning into your daily routines and especially on big Jewish occasions. What could be more meaningful than a stunning Old City of Jerusalem motif, that connects you to the Holy City wherever you are. Along with the words "netilat yadayim", this cup is available in several color options or various hues of white, cream, grays, and black that look incredible against the plain metalic interior of the design and the band around it that ties the whole piece together.

9. Dorit Judaica Ornate Netilat Yadayim Towel and Washing Cup Set

When setting up for a Shabbat meal, whether you're hosting lots of guests or having a small family dinner, having a matching set adds to the beauty of the day. The metal cup is painted with an arabesque mandala pattern in crimson and navy, which is also sewn in on the fabric of the cotton towel. Having a matching, cohesive set will show the importance and splendor of the meal to follow, and makes for a great gift.

10. Yair Emanuel Set of 3 Embroidered Hand Towels – Jerusalem

Having a set of hand towels for washing netilat yadayim is a great way to keep a cohesive Shabbat feeling if you're having lots of guests wash in different sinks, or just to make sure at least one is always clean and ready. It depicts a motif of the Old City of Jerusalem, in the classic style of designer Yair Emanuel. This set would also make a great housewarming present.