1)It is a good idea to raise the hands upwards after washing them to ensure that the water touches every part of the hands.
If an abundance of water is used there is less of a concern that the water will miss any parts of the hands, and in that case it isn’t as necessary to lift the hands.
However, according to kabalistic reasons, it is important to raise the hands upwards after washing them, even if a lot of water was used. (See Mishna Berura 162:9, Aruch HaShulchan 162:7 and Kaf HaChaim 162:6 and 7)2) The hands should remain raised from immediately after being washed the second time until after they are dried (Mishna Berura 162:3)
It is important to keep in mind that if one is in a situation where he/she has less than a Revi’is of water with which to wash for Netilas Yadayim, then he/she must, Al Pi Din- according to the letter of the law, raise their hands in order that the water can trickle down and reach each and every part of the hand. (Mishna Berura 162:4 and 11)
If at all possible, it is always good to wash each hand with a Revi’is of water, as doing so will prevent many Halachic problems afterwards.
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