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The Kiddush Cup

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.

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, the origin of the Kiddush can be traced back to the time of the Great Synagogue and from various discussions dating from the first century of the Common Era it can be seen that the ceremony is very old.

On Friday evening, two loaves of bread are laid on the table in memory of the double portion of manna that was gathered on Friday. For most communities, there is no true Kiddush except at the place where the meal is 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 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 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,and various Jewish holidays, among others.

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About the Author

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

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