Before the ceremony:
Fill a jug with water from a natural source if possible. Prepare a beautiful bowl. Have a towel handy. If desired, set this up as an altar with beautifying elements.
Remove rings, bracelets, watches, and nail polish if desired. Remove any obvious marks or grime from your skin and under your nails.
Prepare a kiddushThe prayer recited over wine on Shabbat, holidays, and other joyous occasions. cup, and a covered container of drinking water, preferably spring water. This may be the same jug as for washing. If desired, add a sprig of rosemary or other edible plants to this water or cup.
You may use a tallitA four-cornered garment to which ritual fringes (tzitzit/tzitzi'ot) are affixed. The knots in the fringes represent the name of God and remind us of God's commandments. The tallit is worn during prayer and can also be drawn about oneself or around the bride and groom to symbolize divine protection., towel, or cape to wrap yourself at the end.
This ceremony requires at least one attendant, and is best performed in community.
KavannahLit. Intention Refers both to one’s intention when performing a mitzvah or when focusing for prayer. Kavanah also refers to specific readings to help focus one's attention prior to performing an act.:
Water is the cycle of life on this planet.
We came from water:
   as a species from primordial oceans,
   as a cell becoming fetus in amniotic darkness,
   as a people crossing rivers and seas.
We live in water:
   the underground wells and rivers,
   the seas, lakes, and creeks,
   the fog, the clouds, the rain.
We live as water:
   the breath of our soul housed
   in blood and sweat and tears
   that run the tides of our bodies.
Today, I enter that cycle with deliberation:
   I wash away that which is no longer needed
   and absorb the living animus
   of storm and sea and stream.
We came from water:
   as a species from primordial oceans,
   as a cell becoming fetus in amniotic darkness,
   as a people crossing rivers and seas.
We live in water:
   the underground wells and rivers,
   the seas, lakes, and creeks,
   the fog, the clouds, the rain.
We live as water:
   the breath of our soul housed
   in blood and sweat and tears
   that run the tides of our bodies.
Today, I enter that cycle with deliberation:
   I wash away that which is no longer needed
   and absorb the living animus
   of storm and sea and stream.
If performing this with multiple active attendants, have one hold the towel, another hold the tallit, another pour the waters. Pour the water in the kiddush cup first, and while the washing occurs have each person stand in a circle around the washer and pass the cup around, each adding their own silent blessing to it.
Handwashing:
face east to new beginnings
I stand here after the final call of a severed relationship. There will never be reconciliation. There will never be closure nor apologies. What remains is harm and pain, and I prepare to wash my hands of it.
pour water over the backs of clenched fists
I release any lingering hopes. I discharge any expectations from others. I let go of this relationship in its totality. As it dissolves away, let the worst of the pain be dissolved with it, and new possibilities and connections fully replace it.
pour water over backs of open handsÂ
I move forward with strength, courage, and capability. I turn to joy, ease, and comfort. I cleanse and purify, seeking new currents in my life.
pour water over open palms
As waters surround and fill us, I am surrounded by my community and filled with love and support. I am sustained by this interdependence. The connections I have made overflow with respect and care for the person I choose to be.Â
pour water into cupped hands and let overflow
dry your hands
Miriam’s Cup:
fill the kiddush cup with water
Springs of living water followed our ancestor MiriamMiriam is the sister of Moses and Aaron. As Moses' and Aaron's sister she, according to midrash, prophesies Moses' role and helps secure it by watching over the young baby, seeing to it that Pharaoh's daughter takes him and that the baby is returned to his mother for nursing. During the Israelites' trek through the desert, a magical well given on her behalf travels with the Israelites, providing water, healing, and sustenance. in the merit of her integrity. I drink from her Well to nourish that same spark in me. I choose life, again and again.
drink the living watersÂ
Hazak, Hhazak, v’nit’hazeik.Â
Be strong, be strong, and strengthen each other.
wrap yourself in a cloth like a cape.
I am capable.
