An imprisoned Rabbi Akiva told his visiting student Yehoshua that he would rather perform this action and die rather than live and sin. The Talmud asserts that this action protects against blindness caused by the “Salt of Sodom.” During the Temple period, the Levites would perform this action on the Kohanim before the recitation of the Priestly Blessing. This action is usually accompanied by the (*) netilat yadayim (neh-tee-LAT (10[1])ya-DAI-yeem) blessing. During the Passover seder, it is performed without a blessing and is called urchatz, and precedes the eating of Karpas or vegetables. It may be performed using negel vasser cups. For (10[1])10 points, name this purifying action that Jews perform before (10[1])eating meals containing bread, for which synagogues often install dedicated sinks. ■END■