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. 

Let's take a moment now to set a personal intention for cleansing ourselves this Passover. What's something you'd like to cleanse yourself from? Maybe it's a negative emotion, bad habit, or whatever else is clouding your mental or spiritual space. Or, what's something you'd like to clear space for? Maybe there's something you'd like to make an effort to be more present about. Go around your table and have everyone share one ideal they'd like to explore for themselves this Passover. 


haggadah Section: Urchatz