The first ritual handwashing of the seder is traditionally done by the leader of the seder, nowadays, all guests can wash their hands. 

No blessing is said for this handwashing.

There are practical reasons for washing our hands, of course, we are about to handle food; but, there is also a deeper meaning to washing our hands, we are purifying ourselves for the task at hand. The journey, both inward and outward, is hard work and all the rituals leading up to the story help us prepare for that journey. 


haggadah Section: Urchatz
Source: Sarah Ettinger