13/08/2026
Washing hands at the end of a meal, mayim achronim, was instituted because of "Sdom salt" (Chullin 105). Harvested near the Dead Sea, salt was so sharp and volatile that wiping your eyes with dirty hands after eating could cause real harm.
Yet, in the very same tradition, salt represents permanence, covenant, and preservation:
🧂It seasoned every sacrifice brought in the Temple.
🧂It was a vital ingredient in the daily incense blend (Keritot 6a), where carnalite salt prevented volatile spices from exploding during preparation.
🧂It seals the everlasting brit melach (covenant of salt) mentioned in Bamidbar.
In her latest Flashback, Shulie Mishkin bridges the gap between ancient Temple rituals, physical landscape, and modern halakhic debate.
In Today's Daf, Chullin 105, we uncover how ancient knowledge shaped daily Jewish life and practice.