There are two points during the Seder when we wash our hands. This first washing is a symbolic and ritual washing, done by one person and with no blessing; later, we will all wash our hands and say a blessing as we prepare for the meal. So why do we wash our hands symbolically now, if we will wash them again before we eat?

It is Jewish tradition to wash our hands and say a blessing before we eat, so that our hands are physically clean when we begin our meal. This washing, however, is symbolic: because water is seen as refreshing and purifying, it is an opportunity to cleanse ourselves spiritually before we continue with our seder. This year, our handwashing holds even greater meaning because of the state of current events. We wash our hands to symbolically and physically cleanse ourselves, to protect others, and to display radical empathy.

Before we continue with our seder, share one thing in the chat function that you wish to leave behind as we enter Passover, so you may be fully present as we enter the holiday.


haggadah Section: Urchatz