The Kiddush Cup
Kiddush is a Hebrew word meaning sanctification and it is a blessing recited over wine or grape juice.
The act of Kiddush is the act of sanctification of the Jewish Sabbath or Festival.
The cup used in the Kiddush ceremony is a specially set-aside goblet.
How is Kiddush done? Before the Sabbath and Festive meals the head of the household will recite the Kiddush over the cup of wine or grape juice.
Afterwards, everyone present sips a little of the beverage either directly from the cup of from small cups that are provided for each person.
Before the recitation of Kiddush the festive loaves are covered.
The blessing over the wine or grape juice takes precedence over the blessing of the loaves and they are therefore temporarily covered.
What are the requirements of the cup? In order to fulfill the commandment of Kiddush, the cup must hold a measure that in Hebrew is called a revi'it.
A revi'it varies between 90.
7ml and 161.
5ml, depending on which Rabbinic opinion one holds by.
Regarding the material of the cup there are no rules apart from the fact that it may not be disposable.
This means that a paper cup, for example, can't be used as a cup for the kiddush.
The Cup also can't be deformed in any kind of way- no chips or cracks.
Kiddush Customs
- If one has no wine or grape juice available, one may actually recite the Kiddush over the festive loaves.
- In many synagogues, Kiddush is recited after services on Friday night.
In such a case this Kiddush does not exempt one from reciting Kiddush at one's house before the festive meal. - There are different customs regarding whether one sits, stands or stands for the beginning and sits for the end of the Kiddush recitation.
Generally, it is the accepted practice to copy what one's host does even if it is contrary to one's own custom. - There is a Hassidic and Sephardic custom to dilute the wine with a few drops of water before Kiddush.
This custom is due to the fact that in years gone by the wine would be strong to drink without diluting it.
What kinds of Kiddush cups are available? There are countless styles of Kiddush cups on the market today.
Some Judaica stores supply wooden, silver, glass goblets in traditional, contemporary and modern designs.
Whatever your taste, you're sure to find a match on the web.
When is it fitting to give it as a present? Kiddush cups are often given on the occasion of a boy's coming of age at thirteen or on the occasion of a wedding.
It is a beautiful gift and one that can be passed on from generation to generation.