Hand Washing

March 30, 2020

The CDC is recommending that we wash our hands for 20 seconds every 30 minutes to help combat the COVID19 pandemic.  But even before we understood germ theory, handwashing has played an important role in purity rituals (see Leviticus 15:11 and Exodus 30:19).  So to add some sacredness and holiness to this current day solution here’s a Jewish hand washing blessing from the fourth century that you can recite as you wash your hands.

Blessed are you, 
O Lord, our God, 
King of the Universe, 
who has sanctified us 
through your commandments 
and has commanded us 
concerning the washing of hands.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

What connections are there between hand washing/purity cleansing and baptism?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

God laid out over 600 instructions in the first five books of the Bible (Torah). If you could create a rule for everyone to follow what would it be?

PRAYER GUIDE

God, you have been with us from the beginning, you are with us now, and you will always be with us. Cleanse our hands so they can be used for your glory. Amen.