Kiddush

Kiddush (Hebrew: קידוש‎, literally, "sanctification") is a Jewish religious ceremony that takes place on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. The term "Kiddush" can also refer to a small repast held on Shabbat or festival mornings after the prayer services.

Etymology

The word "Kiddush" is derived from the Hebrew root Qof-Dalet-Shin (Q-D-Š), meaning "holy" or "separate". It is related to the Hebrew word "kadosh", which also means "holy".

Overview

Kiddush is a blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify the Shabbat and Jewish holidays. The Kiddush is often held at the beginning of a festive meal on Shabbat or holidays, but it can also be recited in the synagogue following the morning prayer services. The person who recites the Kiddush is often the head of the household or the one leading the meal.

Procedure

The Kiddush ceremony begins with the recitation of the Kiddush blessing over a cup of wine or grape juice. The blessing is followed by the drinking of the wine or grape juice. In some traditions, the Kiddush is followed by the washing of hands and the blessing over bread, which begins the meal.

Variations

There are variations in the Kiddush ceremony among different Jewish communities. For example, in some Ashkenazi communities, it is customary to stand during the Kiddush, while in others it is customary to sit. In Sephardi communities, it is customary to recite the Kiddush over a cup of wine and then to distribute the wine to all present.

Significance

The Kiddush is a way of sanctifying the Shabbat and Jewish holidays, setting them apart as holy days. It is a way of acknowledging and expressing gratitude for God's creation of the world and for the gift of the Shabbat and the holidays.

See also

• Havdalah
• Shabbat
• Jewish holidays