After Kiddush, the celebrants wash their hands. This is not meant to be a hygienic washing of one's hands with soap and water, but rather a ritual washing, a sanctification, if you will. A cup is filled with water which is poured twice over the right hand then twice over the left hand. (Some have the custom of pouring 3 times over each hand.) The entire hand, with all jewelry removed, should be washed, then a blessing is recited as the hands are dried. There should be no talking between the washing of hands and eating bread because one washes in order to eat bread, and there should be no interruption between the related actions.

Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us in His commandments and commanded us to wash our hands.

Ba’ruch Ah’tah Ah’doh’nai Eh’lo’hay’nu Melech ha’o’lam ah’sher kidishanu b’mitz’vo’tav v’tzee’vanu al n’tee’laht ya’da’yim.