The Debriciner Rav: Drying Your Hands With An Electric Hand Dryer For Netilas Yadayim
The Shulchan Aruch HaRav (OC 158:17) says that the best method of drying your hands after Netilas Yadayim is to rub it with a towel. The Debriciner Rav (Kuntras Electric 48) was asked if an electric heat dryer that is generally found in public places is acceptable for drying.
He answers that it is perfectly acceptable for two reasons. First, the whole reason why your hands cannot be wet is that the water becomes Tamei. However, he says this is only a problem if you use the minimum Shiur of water. Since we use far more than the minimum, the excess water flushes away the tamei water and the water remaining on your hands is Tahor.
Secondly even if the reason for completely dry hands when eating the bread is for sanitary concerns and touching the bread with wet hands it is considered disgusting, this is not a problem since the electric dryer completely dries your hands from any water.
His only concern is that often this dryer is situated more than 22 amos from where you eat. Since more than this amount is considered a hefsek (L'chatchila) therefore it is better to take a napkin and dry your hands closer to the place where you eat. If you didn't then it is still okay B'dieved.
Disclaimer: We try to convey the Tshuva to the best of our ability. We admit that our understanding may not be accurate. Please also understand that this Tshuva may not be the final word on this topic. One should consult a Rav before drawing any conclusions.
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