One of the first rites of the Seder is urhatz, the ritual washing of hands.

In Hebrew, urchatz means “washing” or “cleansing.” In Aramaic, sister language to Hebrew, urchatz means “trusting.” As we wash each others’ hands, we reflect on this act of trust and welcoming, recalling the sources of hope and trust we want to bring into the world for ourselves and each other.

[Assist the person next to you in washing their hands]

Unlike nearly every other element of the Seder, this washing is unaccompanied by a blessing, perhaps because the washing, itself, is a blessing.


haggadah Section: Urchatz
Source: Different from All Other Nights: A Queer Passover Haggadah - Keshet 2013