The Seder 2025: Rachtzah
Rachtzah is the ritual washing of the hands before saying the Hamotzi blessing. Join Rabbi Dr. Stuart Fischman as he explores the added significance to this custom on Seder night.
The Seder 2025: Rachtzah: The Seder 2025: Rachtzah
“Rachtzah” (רחצה) is the washing of one’s hands which is done when a person eats bread (which includes matzah). There really is nothing special about the Rachtzah of Pesach. But once upon a time there was a difference. Rav Amaram Gaon ( who lived in the ninth century) makes reference to an erroneous custom regarding the blessings said when performing Rachtzah.
So there are insights into Rachtzah ( such as learning about erroneous customs from the ninth century) and I hope that this class will be interesting. At this point I would also ask the Houthis not to launch any missiles tonight since they very rudely disturbed last night’s class with a missile attack.
Rabbi Dr. Stuart Fischman graduated from Yeshiva University in 1980 and the dental school of Columbia University in 1985. In 1989 he began studying and teaching at Yeshivat Hamivtar and now studies and teaches at Yeshivat Machanaim in Efrat. He has rabbinic ordination from Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg.