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Urchatz – ץַח ְרוּ
Why Do We Have Urchatz? ‐ Coral Vaknin (10th)
While looking at the Seder at first glance everything seems as though it is in order. But after looking carefully,
Urchatz seems out of place. Urchatz is the step of washing your hands before doing the Karpas. This is strange
because usually we wash our hands before eating bread; not vegetables. I was curious as to why we do this, and
after researching this topic I found the Talmud’s answer to be interesting. It says that this is an unusual activity
that “prompts even adults to ask questions”. Upon hearing this answer it reminded me of the fact that we are
supposed to revert back to the state of our ancestors during exodus. This means that we ask questions as though
we are children which would also require us to revert back to another old mindset. This simple act of washing
hands teaches us to be curious and ask questions that relate to many aspects of this holiday which only contin-
ues to prove that a curious mindset is important to have throughout passover. Chag Sameach!
Matan Chen—3rd grade
