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Article By: JacobLumbroso
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Why Do Jews Recite Kiddush?
The Sabbath is considered holy or set apart from the rest of the days of the week. The Bible states "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." Kiddush then is a ceremony and prayer in which the holiness of the Sabbath or of a holiday is proclaimed. According to the Talmud this means that its holiness must be recognized in speech during the day.
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 bread are laid on the table in memory of the double portion of manna that was gathered on Friday. For most communities, there is no true Kiddush except at the place where the meal is 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 Kiddush , such drink, out of necessity, once took the place of wine in northeastern European Jewish communities. It is regarded, however, as more dignified, where wine is not available, to pronounce the Kiddush over the bread than to substitute beer or brandy.
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 other ceremonies where drinking wine is part of the occasion or ritual. These includes Havdalah (the ceremony demarcating the end of the Sabbath from the coming week), as well as at weddings ceremonies, among others.
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About the Author
Jacob Lumbroso writes articles on history, foreign cultures, and Judaism. For more information on the Shabbat Candle Lighting or other Judaica, visit http://www.judaicaquest.com
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