Why Do Jews Recite Kiddush?

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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.

In Judaism, the Sabbath is considered set apart from the rest of the days of the week. The Bible commands "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." Kiddush then is a ceremony in which the holiness of the Sabbath or of a holiday is proclaimed. The Talmud interprets this to means that the holiness of the Sabbath must be recognized in speech.

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.

At the beginning of Sabbath two loaves of bread are laid down in memory of the double portion of manna that was gathered on Friday, with a white cloth under and over them. There is no true Kiddush except at the place of the meal. There is a custom however among 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.

Before these benedictions it is customary to recite Genesis. 2: 1-3, the account of the Sabbath of Creation, in obedience to the saying of the Talmud 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 other ceremonies where drinking wine is part of the occasion or ritual. These includes Havdalah (the ceremony demarcating the end of the Sabbath from the coming week), as well as at weddings ceremonies, among others.

About the Author

Jacob Lumbroso writes articles on history, foreign cultures, and Judaism. For more information on studying modern Hebrew or other on studying Biblical Hebrew, visit http://www.judaicaquest.com

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<h1>Why Do Jews Recite Kiddush?</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 />In Judaism, the Sabbath is considered set apart from the rest of the days of the week. The Bible commands "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." Kiddush then is a ceremony in which the holiness of the Sabbath or of a holiday is proclaimed. The Talmud interprets this to means that the holiness of the Sabbath must be recognized in speech.<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 />At the beginning of Sabbath two loaves of bread are laid down in memory of the double portion of manna that was gathered on Friday, with a white cloth under and over them. There is no true Kiddush except at the place of the meal. There is a custom however among 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 />Before these benedictions it is customary to recite Genesis. 2: 1-3, the account of the Sabbath of Creation, in obedience to the saying of the Talmud that one who recites it makes himself, in a sense, a partner with God in the work of creation.<br /><br />A kiddush cup is used in other ceremonies where drinking wine is part of the occasion or ritual. These includes Havdalah (the ceremony demarcating the end of the Sabbath from the coming week), as well as at weddings ceremonies, among others. <h2>About the Author</h2> Jacob Lumbroso writes articles on history, foreign cultures, and Judaism. For more information on <a href="http://www.judaicaquest.com/learning_hebrew">studying modern Hebrew</a> or other on studying Biblical Hebrew, visit <a href="http://www.judaicaquest.com">http://www.judaicaquest.com</a> </p>

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