Washing Cups

A Jewish Washing Cup is a handled vessel used for ritual hand washing, netilat yadayim, according to Jewish practice.

Many traditional washing cups have two handles, making it easier to alternate the cup between hands during washing.

They can be found in simple practical designs as well as decorative Judaica intended for a kitchen, guest area or washing station.

The two-handle construction is primarily practical.

It allows the user to transfer the cup easily from one hand to the other without needing to grip the same handle repeatedly during the washing process.

The handles should therefore be judged by more than appearance: size, spacing and comfort can make a significant difference when the cup is used regularly.

Common options include:

• Stainless steel
• Aluminum
• Silver or silver-plated metal
• Ceramic
• Plastic
• Glass
• Enamelled metal
• Mixed decorative materials

For regular use, water resistance and cleaning are particularly important.

A highly decorative cup can still be practical, but make sure the finish is appropriate for repeated exposure to water.

A washing cup should be comfortable to fill, lift and pour.

Check:

1. Capacity – enough water for the intended use without making the cup unnecessarily heavy.
2. Handle comfort – both handles should be easy to grip.
3. Balance – particularly when the cup is full.
4. Rim shape – a controlled pour is easier with a well-designed rim.
5. Base stability – important on wet sink surfaces.
6. Sink clearance – a very tall cup may be awkward under a low faucet.

For daily use, these details matter considerably more than decoration alone.

No.

A Washing Cup is primarily a functional ritual object, so comfort and durability should come first.

That said, contemporary Judaica allows it to become part of the visual character of a home. A polished metal cup may suit a modern kitchen, while a colorful enamel or Jerusalem-inspired design can make the ritual object more visually distinctive.

Matching other Judaica is optional, not necessary.

Selected designs may allow engraving or another personal detail.

Possible personalization includes:

• A family name
• Hebrew initials
• A wedding date
• A short Hebrew phrase
• A housewarming dedication

Because a Washing Cup is handled and washed regularly, personalization should be placed where it remains easy to read without interfering with the grip or cleaning.

Yes. Many are specifically chosen for regular use.

If the cup will be used daily, prioritize:

• secure handles;
• a durable water-resistant finish;
• comfortable weight;
• stable construction;
• easy cleaning.

Decorative details are a bonus, but they should not make the cup awkward to fill, pour or dry.

Because it is frequently exposed to water, thorough drying is important.

• Rinse after use where needed.
• Dry the handles, rim and base rather than allowing water to sit in crevices.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners on decorative finishes.
• Follow the maker's care guidance for silver, plating, enamel or mixed materials.
• Store it where air can circulate rather than trapping moisture.

If the cup is kept beside a sink permanently, inspect the base occasionally for water marks or mineral buildup.

A Washing Cup can be a practical Judaica gift for:

• Weddings
• Housewarmings
• A first Jewish home
• New kitchens
• Aliyah
• Observant households
• Guest rooms or hospitality settings

It is especially suitable when you want to give Judaica that will actually be used rather than displayed only on special occasions.

A well-designed Washing Cup can become part of everyday Jewish life almost immediately.

Baltinester can help clarify capacity, dimensions, handle design, weight and material-specific care.

If you are choosing between a decorative cup and one intended for intensive daily use, the Jerusalem team can help explain the practical differences that photographs may not make obvious.

For a gift, knowing whether it is intended for a main household sink, guest room or travel use can make the choice more precise.