The first hand washing at the seder is traditionally done without a blessing. Tonight, we will reflect on what we are washing our hands of — as people and as a society. How do we celebrate Passover in the United States in 2020? What does it mean to recount the horrors of how our people were treated in Egypt when so much of this country’s politics are fueled by a deep-seated fear of the other? When our government has shown itself capabale of demonizing immigrants, separating families, and holding children in cages? Leaders of our country have embraced white nationalism, a movement that seeks to erase communities of immigrants, people of color, Muslim people, and Native people. Some white nationalists blame Jewish people for enabling migration. The shooter at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh wasn’t just driven by a hatred of Jews: he was driven by anger over Jewish support for refugees. We know that we are not safe or free while others are not safe and free. 

In Hebrew urchatz means "washing or "cleaning." In Aramaic, urchatz means "trusting." In order to prepare ourselves to leave mitzrayim, this narrow place, we need to wash away that which separates us from each other. In part for that reason, this Haggadah intentionally draws on experiences of refugees and migrants who are Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, First Nation, queer, female, workers, and Black. In order to begin trusting one another and moving towards our respective Jerusalems:

We wash away the idea that any human being is not worthy of dignity.

We wash away our own fears that separate us from other people and communities.

We wash away our inaction. We wash away our guilt for not doing enough.

We wash away our doubts that we will not make it across the sea.


haggadah Section: Kadesh
Source: Adapted from Urchatz Supplement (2019/5779), Bend the Arc Jewish Action