Why Do Jews Recite Kiddush?
by: JacobLumbroso |
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Next to lighting candles on Friday just before sunset, or singing Shalom Aleichem, the Kiddush cup is among the most common symbols of the Jewish Sabbath. The word Kiddush is derived from the Hebrew word Kedushah, which means holiness or separation. Reciting Kiddush marks the special nature of the Sabbath day.
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 it is considered a positive commandment. Men and women are obligated to recite it. While the recitation is the most important element, a custom dating from the early rabbinic period sees the Sabbath as being sanctified over a glass of wine before the evening meal. The drinking of wine, in addition to the recitation of some additional paragraphs makes up Kiddush.
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 Challah are laid on the table in memory of the double portion of manna that was gathered on Friday. For most communities, Kiddush can only be recited at the place where the meal is to be 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 recitation of the Kiddush , such drinks, out of necessity, once took the place of wine in some northeastern European Jewish communities. For most communities it is better if wine is not available, to pronounce the Kiddush over the Challah bread than to substitute beer or other alcoholic drink.
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 a variety of other ceremonies where drinking wine is appropriate. These includes Havdalah (the ceremony demarcating the end of the Sabbath from the new week), as well as at weddings ceremonies.
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About the Author
Jacob Lumbroso writes articles on history, foreign cultures, and Judaism. For Silver Shabbat Kiddush Cups or other Jewish culture related to the Shabbat, visit http://www.judaicaquest.com
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