"Washing" or "Cleansing"

Haggadah Section: Urchatz

This symbolic washing represents the removal of common dirt so that you can now see yourself as uncommonly clean; holy. This prepares us for an encounter with the our holy God.

  • Legend tells us that there was a well that followed Miriam, Moses' sister, through the desert that sustained the Jews in the wilderness.
  • It is said that this "water of life" was a source of strength and renewal to all who drew from it.
  • One drink from it would alert the heart, mind and soul and make the meaning of Torah clear and alive.
  • Jeremiah the prophet proclaims that Jehovah is this well of living water. (Jer 2:13)
  • Jesus tells the woman at the well that he can give her this living water. (John 4:10)
  • At his last Seder, Jesus, knowing he himself has been made holy, symbolizes the power of living water to purify us and make our walk through life holy too by washing his disciples feet. (John 13:3-5)

The Aramaic root word for Urchatz means "trusting". Trust is also the root of any good relationship. We celebrate our trust in the Lord's willingness to purify and relate to his people by sprinkling our neighbor's hands, for it is not by our own power that we are cleaned.

Rev 7:17 For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd and he will guide them to the springs of the waters of life; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

pass the bowl and pitcher around and sprinkle each others hands

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