Complete Guide to Kiddush: Blessing the Sabbath Wine

Kiddush (literally 'sanctification') is the blessing recited over wine to sanctify Shabbat and Jewish holidays. It declares the holiness of the day and fulfills the biblical commandment to 'remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy' (Exodus 20:8). Kiddush is recited at the beginning of the Shabbat and holiday meals.

Kiddush is recited at two meals: Friday night after returning from synagogue (or after candle lighting time), and Shabbat morning before the daytime meal. The Friday night Kiddush is more extensive and includes the passage from Genesis about God resting on the seventh day. The daytime Kiddush is shorter. On holidays, Kiddush includes special additions mentioning the specific holiday.

The Friday night Kiddush begins with the verses from Genesis (2:1-3) describing the completion of creation and God's rest. It continues with the blessing over wine (borei pri hagafen) and the main Kiddush blessing (mekadesh haShabbat), which praises God for giving us the Shabbat as a reminder of creation and the Exodus from Egypt. The complete text takes about 2-3 minutes to recite.

The daytime Kiddush (Kiddush Rabbah or 'Great Kiddush') is shorter than the evening version. It begins with verses from Exodus (31:16-17) about keeping the Shabbat, followed by 'Remember the Sabbath day' and the blessing over wine. Despite being called 'Great Kiddush,' it is actually shorter because the primary sanctification occurs Friday night.

Traditionally, one person recites Kiddush on behalf of everyone present. This is usually the head of the household, though anyone who has reached bar/bat mitzvah may recite it. Those listening must have intention to fulfill their obligation through the reciter, and the reciter must have intention to fulfill the obligation for all present. Everyone answers 'Amen' after the blessings.

Use a cup that holds at least a revi'it (approximately 3-5 oz / 86-150ml depending on custom). The cup should be whole without cracks. Fill it completely with wine - red wine is traditionally preferred but white is acceptable. Grape juice may be used by those who cannot drink wine. Hold the cup in your right hand, elevated at least a tefach (handbreadth) above the table.

1) All present should be seated. 2) Hold the cup in your right hand. 3) Look at the candles briefly. 4) Recite the opening verses while looking at the cup. 5) Say the blessing over wine. 6) Recite the main Kiddush blessing. 7) Drink at least a cheek-full of wine (majority of the cup according to some customs). 8) Distribute wine to all present. 9) Proceed with washing hands and the meal.

Some have the custom to stand during Kiddush (Ashkenazi practice varies), while others sit (common Sephardic practice). Many cover the challah bread during Kiddush so it won't be 'embarrassed' that wine receives a blessing first. Some look at the candles at the beginning and at the wine at the end. Children often have their own small cups of grape juice.