Yes, Jesus did CONDONE the lack of handwashing, at least as being a minor issue in comparison to the other. Now Sophiee says that there was no such requirement at the time. Well, then we have several possibilities, one of which was that the Pharisees were simply demanding an observance that was not a binding ruling. It is hard to prove that pro or con. It certainly is not a warrant to say that Matthew was written by an ignorant person. No, I won't commit myself to follow what someone claims that the Pharisees or a Sanhedrin said, especially since it is clearly debated at the present. I believethat is why we have the written word.