The Kiddush Cup

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by: JacobLumbroso
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Next to lighting candles on Friday just before sunset, the Kiddush cup is perhaps the most common symbol of the Jewish Sabbath. The purpose is connected to the singing or chanting of Kiddush. The word Kiddush is derived from the Hebrew word Kedushah, which means holiness. Reciting Kiddush designates the special status of the Sabbath.

The Sabbath is considered holy or set apart from the rest of the days of the week. The Bible states "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." Kiddush then is a ceremony and prayer in which the holiness of the Sabbath or of a holiday is proclaimed. According to the Talmud this means that its holiness must be recognized in speech during the day.

Reciting or singing it is considered a positive commandment or mitzvah. Men and women are obligated to recite it, though in a married household, the husband will recite it. While reciting it is the most important element, a custom from the early rabbinic period sees the act of sanctification as being tied to saying blessing for a glass of wine before the evening meal. The drinking of wine, in addition to some additional paragraphs makes up what is known as the Friday evening Kiddush.

According to the Talmud, Kiddush can be traced back to the time of the Great Assembly. The existence of discussions dating from the first century of the Common Era on the subject of Kiddush make it clear that the ritual is ancient.

On Friday evening, two loaves of Challah are laid on the table in memory of the double portion of manna that was gathered on Friday. For most communities, Kiddush can only be recited at the place where the meal is to be eaten. Some communities to pronounce Kiddush at the end of the evening service in the synagogue.

Although the Talmud states that strong drink other than wine is improper for the Kiddush, they often out of necessity, took the place of wine in many northeastern European Jewish communities. It is regarded as more appropriate to recite the Kiddush over the bread than to substitute beer or brandy if wine is not accessible.

It is customary to recite the Biblical passage of Genesis. 2: 1-3, which details the act of creation, before reciting Kiddush. This is in keeping with the Talmudic dictum that one who recites it makes himself, in a sense, a partner with God in the act of creation.

A Kiddush cup is used in a variety of other ceremonies where drinking wine is appropriate. These includes Havdalah (the ceremony demarcating the end of the Sabbath from the new week), as well as at weddings ceremonies.

About the Author

Jacob Lumbroso writes articles on Jewish History, foreign cultures, and Judaism. For Silver Shabbat Kiddush Cups or other Judaica related to the Sabbath, visit http://www.judaicaquest.com

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<h1>The Kiddush Cup</h1> <p> Next to lighting candles on Friday just before sunset, the Kiddush cup is perhaps the most common symbol of the Jewish Sabbath. The purpose is connected to the singing or chanting of Kiddush. The word Kiddush is derived from the Hebrew word Kedushah, which means holiness. Reciting Kiddush designates the special status of the Sabbath.<br /><br />The Sabbath is considered holy or set apart from the rest of the days of the week. The Bible states "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." Kiddush then is a ceremony and prayer in which the holiness of the Sabbath or of a holiday is proclaimed. According to the Talmud this means that its holiness must be recognized in speech during the day.<br /><br />Reciting or singing it is considered a positive commandment or mitzvah. Men and women are obligated to recite it, though in a married household, the husband will recite it. While reciting it is the most important element, a custom from the early rabbinic period sees the act of sanctification as being tied to saying blessing for a glass of wine before the evening meal. The drinking of wine, in addition to some additional paragraphs makes up what is known as the Friday evening Kiddush.<br /><br />According to the Talmud, Kiddush can be traced back to the time of the Great Assembly. The existence of discussions dating from the first century of the Common Era on the subject of Kiddush make it clear that the ritual is ancient.<br /><br />On Friday evening, two loaves of Challah are laid on the table in memory of the double portion of manna that was gathered on Friday. For most communities, Kiddush can only be recited at the place where the meal is to be eaten. Some communities to pronounce Kiddush at the end of the evening service in the synagogue.<br /><br />Although the Talmud states that strong drink other than wine is improper for the Kiddush, they often out of necessity, took the place of wine in many northeastern European Jewish communities. It is regarded as more appropriate to recite the Kiddush over the bread than to substitute beer or brandy if wine is not accessible.<br /><br />It is customary to recite the Biblical passage of Genesis. 2: 1-3, which details the act of creation, before reciting Kiddush. This is in keeping with the Talmudic dictum that one who recites it makes himself, in a sense, a partner with God in the act of creation.<br /><br />A Kiddush cup is used in a variety of other ceremonies where drinking wine is appropriate. These includes Havdalah (the ceremony demarcating the end of the Sabbath from the new week), as well as at weddings ceremonies. <h2>About the Author</h2> Jacob Lumbroso writes articles on Jewish History, foreign cultures, and Judaism. For <a href="http://www.judaicaquest.com/kiddush_cups">Silver Shabbat Kiddush Cups</a> or other Judaica related to the Sabbath, visit <a href="http://www.judaicaquest.com">http://www.judaicaquest.com</a> </p>

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