What is a Kiddush Cup?
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by: JacobLumbroso
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In traditional Judaism, the Sabbath is considered to be set apart from the rest of the days of the week. The Torah commands "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." Kiddush is a ceremony which marks the holiness of the Sabbath. The Talmud understands this to means that the holiness of the Sabbath must be stated verbally.
It is considered a positive commandment and both men and women are bound to recite it. While the recitation is the most important element, an old custom, dating from the time of the Mishnah sees the Sabbath and the holidays as being sanctified over a glass of wine before the evening meal. The drinking of the wine, with the recitation of some additional paragraphs constitutes the ceremony of Kiddush , in which husband, wife, children, take part together.
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 alcoholic drinks other than wine are not "ideal"for the Kiddush , such drink, out of necessity, once took the place of wine in northeastern European Jewish communities. It is regarded, however, as more dignified, where wine is not available, to pronounce the Kiddush over the bread than to substitute beer or brandy.
It is customary to recite Genesis. 2: 1-3, the account of the Sabbath of Creation, before reciting Kiddush in keeping the Talmudic dictum that one who recites it makes himself, in a sense, a partner with God in the work 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 Jewish rituals related to the Shabbat, visit http://www.judaicaquest.com
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