 kiddush (), literally, "sanctification," is a blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify the shabbat and jewish holidays. ==significance== the torah refers to two requirements concerning shabbat - to "keep it" and to "remember it" (shamor and zakhor). jewish law therefore requires that shabbat be observed in two respects. one must "keep it" by refraining from thirty-nine forbidden activities, and one must "remember it" by making special arrangements for the day, and specifically through the kiddush ceremony. reciting kiddush before the meal on the eve of shabbat and jewish holidays is thus a commandment from the torah (as it is explained by the oral torah). reciting kiddush before the morning meal on shabbat and holidays is a requirement of rabbinic origin. kiddush is not usually recited at the third meal on shabbat, although maimonides was of the opinion that wine should be drunk at this meal as well. ==rituals== right|thumb|200px|engraved sterling silver kiddush cup to honor the mitzvah of reciting kiddush, a silver goblet is often used, although any cup can suffice. the cup must hold a revi'it of liquid.shulchan aruch orach chayim 271:13 a revi'it is between  (rabbi avrohom yeshaya karelitz)(hazon ish 39) and  (rabbi avraham chaim naeh).shiurei torah after the person reciting the kiddush drinks from the wine, the rest of it is passed around the table or poured out into small cups for the other participants. alternatively, wine is poured for each of the participants before kiddush. before reciting kiddush, the challah, which will be the next food item eaten in honor of the shabbat or holiday, is first covered with a cloth. according to halakha, the blessing over bread takes precedence to the blessing over wine. however, in the interests of beginning the meal with kiddush, the challah is covered to "remove" it from the table (some do not have the challah on the table at all during kiddush). some interpret the covering of the challah allegorically, explaining that just as we go out of our way to protect an inanimate object (the bread) from being "insulted" (by the blessing over wine taking precedence), we should display the same sensitivity toward the feelings of other people. ==synagogue kiddush== the term kiddush also refers to refreshments served either at home or at the synagogue following prayer services on shabbat or yom tov, which begin with the recitation of kiddush. cake, crackers, and gefilte fish are traditionally served. on shavuot morning, the custom is to serve dairy foods such as cheesecake a
Jewish_blessings Jewish_ceremonial_food_and_drink Jewish_prayer_and_ritual_texts Shabbat