Kiddush, literally "sanctification," is a blessing recited over wine or grape
juice to sanctify the Shabbat and Jewish holidays.
Additionally, the word refers to a small repast held on Shabbat or festival
mornings after the prayer services and before the meal.
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Opening the bottle of wine.
Wine or grape juice may be used for kiddush. The Talmud permits the use
of unfermented fresh grape juice for sacramental use.
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While later legal codes have expressed a preference for wine,
traditional and orthodox communities generally permit the use of grape
juice in place of wine for blessings and rituals.
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Passing the chalice.
To honor the mitzvah of reciting kiddush, a silver goblet
is often used, although any cup can suffice.
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The cup must hold a revi'it of liquid. A revi'it is
between 161.5 millilitres (5.68 imp fl oz; 5.46 US fl oz) and 90.7
millilitres (3.19 imp fl oz; 3.07 US fl oz).
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After the person reciting the kiddush drinks from the wine, the
rest of it is passed around the table or poured out into small cups
for the other participants.
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Alternatively, wine is poured for each of the participants before
kiddush.
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Blessing over bread.
Before reciting kiddush, the challah, which will be the
next food item eaten in honor of the Shabbat or holiday, is first
covered with a cloth. According to Halakha, the blessing over bread
takes precedence to the blessing over wine.
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However, in the interests of beginning the meal with kiddush,
the challah is covered to "remove" it from the table (some do
not have the challah on the table at all during
kiddush).
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Some interpret the covering of the challah allegorically,
explaining that if we are supposed to go out of our way to protect
even an inanimate object (the bread) from being "insulted" (by the
blessing over wine taking precedence), then certainly we must go out
of our way to display sensitivity toward the feelings of other people.
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Reciting the kiddush.
There are different customs regarding sitting or standing while reciting
kiddush depending on communal and family tradition.
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See also
Source
Location
