Kiddush

kiddush cup]]

**Kiddush ()** is a blessing said by Jews at the start of Shabbat and holiday meals.  The term is also used to refer to a light meal served in the synagogue after the long Shabbat and holiday morning prayers.  The word comes from a Hebrew  meaning "holy".

## Kiddush at the evening Shabbat meal
There are two  of the Ten Commandments in the Bible. These versions use different words.  The version in Exodus says "**Remember** Shabbat to keep it ."  The version in Deuteronomy says "'''** Shabbat to keep it holy."  Jewish custom says that "remember" means to **' Shabbat.  "Guard" means *resting*—not working or doing business.

There are many things Jews do to celebrate Shabbat [see Shabbat (Celebrating Shabbat)].  The  way to celebrate is to say the blessing "Blessed are You, God, Who makes Shabbat holy."  The Talmud adds that the blessing should be said with a cup of wine. This is because wine makes people feel happy.  Because of this, the Friday evening meal in a Jewish home starts with a  to say this blessing over a cup of wine.

### Text
In  homes, the blessing is said in the Hebrew language.  This is a Simple English translation of the blessing. Words in italics *like this* are added to explain the Hebrew.

## Kiddush at the morning (or noon) Shabbat meal
There is a different version of Kiddush for the Shabbat morning (or noon) meal.  This ceremony makes the meal feel more special.  

For the morning Kiddush, a person says verses from the Torah about Shabbat. These verses are usually from  and .  The person ends with the same blessing over the wine:

### Kiddush at the third Shabbat meal
Most Jews do not say Kiddush at the third Shabbat meal.   However, Maimonides ruled that they should do so. The text for this Kiddush includes .  That verse is the source of the law to have three meals on Shabbat.

## Kiddush in the synagogue
Kiddush is also said in the synagogue.  This does not replace saying Kiddush at home before the meal.  In modern times, Kiddush is still said in the synagogue Friday night.  This is done even if a meal is not served in the synagogue that night.    but Shabbat morning prayers are long. People are  by the end of them.
**People are not allowed to fast on Shabbat, even for a half-day.  This snack or meal helps people have some food before noon if prayers are long.

## Kiddush on important Jewish holidays
Kiddush is said on these Jewish holidays:  
*Passover (first and last days)
*Shavuot
*Sukkot (first day[s])
*Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah
*Rosh Hashanah
The holiday texts are different from the Shabbat texts. The blessings are said in the same way and at the same time of day as on Shabbat, but there are two differences:
*On the first night(s) of Passover, Kiddush is *not* said in the synagogue.  Kiddush is said at home those nights over the first of four cups of wine at the Seder.
*On the fast of Yom Kippur, Kiddush is not said, even on Shabbat. This is because eating and drinking are not allowed.  The law about "celebrating" Shabbat is  by the evening prayers that night.

## The Kiddush cup
Jews usually use a  cup for Kiddush.  The most common material for this cup is silver. Other materials are also used. These include ceramic, glass and wood.  The most important part of the custom is for the cup to be special and unusual in honor of the blessing.

## References