The Basics of Kiddush

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In Exodus 20:8, it is stated that the Sabbath day should always be remembered for sanctification. It is a Torah command to sanctify the Shabbat when it commences( Kiddush) and when it departs (Hadvalah). The Sages had it that a cup of grape juice or wine should accompany the sanctification. The other institution by the Sages was that Kiddush be recited over wine prior to the beginning of Shabbat meal held during daytime. Kiddush is, however, guided by more guidelines (Rudavsky, 2004). According to Berkowitz (2006) the basic overview of Kiddush ceremony offers guidelines for its smooth running. Neither eating nor drinking should take place before Kiddush. The prohibition begins at the sundown of Friday night and after saying the Shacharit prayer during the morning of Shabbat. However, if wine is not available, Kiddush could be recited on two loaves of matzah or bread. The rationale for wine traditionally was to libate the idols (Morris, 2012). Most of the non-Jews during the ancient times were pagan, and for this reason the rabbis forbade wine that had been handled by a non-Jew from the fear that the non-Jews motive was to proffer the wine as an offering to their deity. The rule applies to grape juice but not to cooked wine (Mevushal). Wine handled by the non-Jews while the bottle's seal was in place is Kosher (Krauskopf, 2007). The Kiddush cup is handled differently. For one, it must be rinsed completely and filled with the grape juice or wine to the brim. It should be held in one's right hand while staring at the Shabbat candles when starting the Kiddush and finally glancing at the wine when saying the Hagafen. Kiddush's first passage should be recited while standing while the rest is recited while either standing or sitting. The person who recited the Kiddush must, however, drink at least 1.46 wine ounces while those who listened to the recitation should have a sip from the wine (Pomerantz & Ruff, 2003).

References

Berkowitz, H. (2006). Kiddush: Or, Sabbath sentiment in the home. Philadelphia.

Krauskopf. (2007). Kiddush: The consecration of the Sabbath eve at the family table. Philadelphia: Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel.

Morris, N. (2012). The Kiddush, a series of lessons on translation, grammar and religion based on the Kiddush for Friday evening. London: Jewish Memorial Council.

Rudavsky, J. (2004). The concept of Kiddush Hahayyim as expressed in the ghettos during the Holocaust in Europe, 1939-1945.

Pomerantz, B., & Ruff, D. (2003). Who will lead Kiddush?. New York, N.Y: Union of American Hebrew Congregations.