Urchatz- First Hand Washing
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Pass a bowl and towel around the table. Pour water on each of your hands three times, alternating between your hands.
This symbolic washing of the hands recalls the story of Miriam's Well. Legend tells us that this well followed Miriam, sister of Moses, through the desert, sustaining the Jews in their wanderings. Filled with mayim chayim, waters of life, the well was a source of strength and renewal to all who drew from it. One drink from its waters was said to alert the heart, mind and soul, and make the meaning of Torah become alive.
Too often during our daily lives we don’t stop and take the moment to prepare for whatever it is we’re about to do. Tonight, we take our time to prepare for the Seder. We will wash our hands twice during our Seder: now, with no blessing, to get us ready for the rituals to come; and then again later, we’ll wash again with a blessing, preparing us for the meal.
As water is poured over your hands, share with us what you would like to let go of right now, what you would like to have “washed away”. And after each person speaks, give them support by all saying “Kayn Yihee Ratzon”, or “So Be It.”
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