An Introduction: The Ritual Washing of the Hands

This short article offers a brief introduction to the origins of hand-washing rituals in Judaism, as well as a practical how-to guide for how to perform this ritual before eating bread, including the Hebrew, English, and transliterated text of the blessing. The author, Rabbi Howard Markose, is a Jerusalem-based educator and former community rabbi who received rabbinical ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. 

The Ritual Washing of the Hands

Unlike many of the Jewish traditions that have been observed over the centuries, the act of ritually washing the hands (in Hebrew, 'Netilat Yadayim') by an individual is not explicitly called for in Biblical literature. Rather, the early rabbinic teachings introduce the practice, and in spite of the change in status of pure and impure as a result of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the essence of the ritual has remained. One is obliged to pour water over each hand for the express purpose of bringing about a state of ritual purity.  This act might be done upon waking in the morning, after going to the bathroom, or, most commonly, prior to the eating of bread.

While many Jews do not adhere to this ritual at all occasions traditionally called for by rabbinic literature, extra care is often taken on Shabbat to observe the traditions that link generations one to another, as well as communities worldwide. Such is the case for the ritual Washing of the Hands. Just prior to the recitation of the blessing over the Challah (special bread for Shabbat), Jews traditionally proceed to the kitchen sink (or a special washing station) for the libation ritual. Water in a designated cup is poured twice (or three) times over the right hand and then the left, followed by the blessing:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְווֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ עַל נְטִילַת יָדָיִם

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha'Olam, asher kideshanu bemitzvotav, vetzivanu al netilat yadayim.ֲ

"Blessed are You, Lord, King of the Universe, who has made us holy through His commandments, and commanded us to wash (literally, take up) the hands."

Many communities then refrain from speaking after reciting this blessing until after eating a portion of the challah, thereby linking the washing of the hands to the partaking of the bread which opens the meal.