Urchatz--Washing the hands after Kadesh

Urchatz is the time of the seder when we wash our hands without a bracha. Take the washing cup filled with water in your right hand and pass it to your left. Wash three times on your right hand then three times on your left (or opposite if you're left-handed). This is how the Kohanim would wash their hands to purify/clean themselves before entering the Holy Temple. Also it is a mitzvah to wash your hands before eating a wet vegetable or fruit. We wash now in the seder before eating the karpas(vegetable) dipped in salt water. These traditions are also done to help make the children ask questions.

Yossi Shapiro


haggadah Section: Urchatz
Source: Tradition