Kiddush: A Blessing to Begin the Day of Blessing

Question

Dear Rabbi,

What does it mean to “make Kiddush”?

Thanks!

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    “Making Kiddush” refers to saying a special blessing over a cup of wine or grape juice prior to the Shabbat or Yom Tov meal. The word “Kiddush” is Hebrew for “holy” or “sanctified.”

    Making Kiddush is a beautiful and wonderful activity, one which involves the entire family and guests. Kiddush fulfills the words of the Torah to “Remember the Shabbat day to sanctify it.” (Exodus 20:8) This verse is also one of the Ten Commandments.

    Kiddush serves as a delightful transition from the involvement in mundane weekday activities to the serene and exquisite day of rest. Kiddush is so important that not only is it done before the Friday night meal but recurs in a different format before the Shabbat day meal.

    The evening Kiddush is comprised of three parts: 1) Three verses from Genesis that recount God’s resting on the seventh day of Creation. 2) The blessing of “borei pri hagafen” that is said over the cup of wine or grape juice. 3) A blessing of thanks to God for the gift of Shabbat, and includes the Exodus from Egypt and the special relationship between God and the Jewish People.

    For any practical questions about Kiddush or any aspect of Judaism, feel free to check out AsktheRabbi.org

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team