Urchatz
URCHATZ
Before the Cohen (priest) could perform any of his duties in the Temple, he had to wash his hands and feet from the copper urn in the courtyard. Silently he prayed, "Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Your will. Make me an instrument of Your purpose, take away my difficulties that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Your power, Your love and Your way of life".
Washing of hands, (before the advent of theories regarding hygiene) is a singularly Jewish ritual with no counterpart in any contemporary or adjacent cultures and religion. Greeks and Romans had no such symbolical actions in their lives. So its real meaning is closely reflected in the metaphor "I wash my hands of it ".
The Leader of the Seder only, now washes his/her hands from an ewer into a bowl held by another celebrant, wiping them dry on a hand towel. We have accepted the need for leadership, we wash the leaders's hands. This small, formal act of service is a symbol of our recognition of their leadership.
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