We now do a “washing” in preparation for eating the vegetable (Karpas). Since the need for

such washing was questioned after the Rabbinic period and  washing before eating vegetables

fell ultimately into disuse except for the Seder, no blessing is required. For some Seder

celebrations, only the Leader has his/her hands washed - but without a blessing, and in other

customs we go around to each of the participants, pouring water over the hands from a pitcher

into a bowl.


haggadah Section: Urchatz
Source: original