Daily Halacha - Laws of Blessings, 19th of Cheshvan 5778

Is it permissible to interrupt with speech between washing hands and the blessing of Hamotzi?

Ideally, one should not speak between washing hands and reciting the blessing of Hamotzi, though if one did interrupt, it does not invalidate the washing.

Especially if there is a need to respond to someone's greeting of "Shalom," one should respond, for if one does not answer it is considered like theft [Responsa Ach Tov V'Chesed section 6].

Is it permissible to speak between the blessing and swallowing?

Ideally, after reciting Hamotzi, it is best not to speak until after swallowing the bread.

However, after putting the bread in one's mouth, one may be lenient [Chazon Ovadia].

Ach Tov V'Chesed - Daily Halacha