Why do religious Jews wash their hands with water from a special pitcher?

Answer 1

Religious Jews wash their hands with water from a special pitcher. This is because unwashed hands should not touch bread.

Answer:

1) Though customary, no special jug or pitcher need be used. The hands can be washed from any appropriate container such as a cup.

2) There's no prohibition for touching bread with unwashed hands - only for eating it.

Answer 2

It is required of them by their religion.

Answer:

It is in order to remove a certain ritual impurity from the hands (and, of course, to eat with clean hands).