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The Sages instituted ritual handwashing before eating bread, to purify the hands in preparation for the meal. Our appetite has the potential to degrade us, leaving us hostage to physical desires that lack any spiritual component. By washing off the impurity from our hands, we prepare ourselves for an ennobling type of eating, which makes us feel good and gives us the strength to bring blessing and goodness to the world.
This handwashing is done by pouring water from a cup over each hand. The water should cover the entire hand, including the fingers. If water is not easily available, it is enough to only wash the fingers. Ideally, one washes the right hand first, pouring water over it twice, and then washes the left hand the same way. Nothing may come between the hand and the water. One who has a Band-Aid or other bandage on their hand should remove it if possible. If this is difficult, it is enough to wash the rest of the hand. In between washing the hands and drying them, one says: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who sanctified us with His mitzvot and commanded us about washing the hands.” After saying this blessing, one should remain silent until after eating bread.
