Washing Hands
Twice during the Seder we wash our hands: first before karpas, and later before motzi matzah. The first washing has no blessing, and the second blessing has the traditional hand washing blessing: Al netilat yadayim. Notice that both hand washings immediately proceed food consumption. Even the ancients understood that eating food requires some sanitary measure. Therefore, we wash before the karpas veggies, which serve as an appetizer to hold our appetite through the long Seder. The actual meal will follow the blessing over the matzah, because in Jewish tradition, meals officially commence with the breaking of the bread, or in our case the matzah! Therefore, we wash with a blessing so that we can bless the matzah and kick off the long-awaited feast.
Inspired to create
your own Haggadah?
Make your own Haggadah and share with other Seder lovers around the world
Have an idea
for a clip?
People like you bring their creativity to Haggadot.com when they share their ideas in a clip
Support Us
with your donation
Help us build moments of meaning and connection through
home-based Jewish rituals.
OUR TOP CONTRIBUTORS
Passover Guide
Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
know more about the holiday? Explore our Passover 101 Guide for answers
to all of your questions.