A silver kiddush cup is used to sanctify wine on the Sabbath. It is a sacred object that is very special to many Jewish families.
The cup should be able to hold at least a revi’it, which is a Talmudic measurement that is slightly more than 3 liquid ounces. It should also be beautiful in design.
The significance of Shabbat
Shabbat (pronounced shah-BAHT) is Judaism’s weekly day of rest, observed from sunset Friday until sunset Saturday. It is one of the most distinctive and important Jewish practices, a 25-hour experience rooted in the biblical commandment to remember and observe.
Shabbat is a special time to spend with family, eat home-cooked meals and unplug from electronics. It commemorates both G-d’s creation of the world in six days and His commandment to Israel at Sinai several weeks after He took the Children of Israel out of Egypt.
The highlight of the Sabbath is a special meal, called Shalom Aleichem (“peace be upon you”). The celebratory dinner begins with two special candles that are lit to welcome the day. They are then placed on the table, along with a silver Kiddush cup and two loaves of Challah bread—a sweet plaited loaf that is bought specially for the occasion. The family then begins to eat, sharing stories and heartwarming Torah thoughts.
Aesthetics
Jewish people put high importance on silver in their homes as a way to add a layer of beauty to their home. Silver is also known to be a symbol of purity which is why many people like to keep silver cutleries in their homes.
Kiddush cups can be engraved with many different kinds of designs. They can be simple with vines or flowers, or they can be ornate and intricate. Some have a picture of a synagogue or other religious symbols on them. Others have a simpler townscape, with buildings and a skyline.
Some people have their names engraved on the cup and some have their children’s names on it as well. They can also have their initials engraved on the cup and even a verse from the bible. The rabbi usually has his own personal kiddush cup that he uses on Shabbat and other holidays, so it is important for families to have their own personalized one as well.
Durability
The silver kiddush cup is a beautiful and durable way to hold wine for Sabbath or holidays. It is a traditional Jewish vessel and it can be used for any type of wine or grape juice. These cups can be engraved with names or initials for added personalization.
The cup is also a beautiful gift for a Jewish wedding. It can be engraved with the couple’s name and words of blessing to God. It can also be adorned with symbols such as stars of David, vines, and flowers.
Traditionally, the Kiddush cup is crafted out of gold or silver. However, it can also be made out of pewter or fine china. It is often ornately decorated with fruit and grapes to represent the wine or grape juice that will be blessed. It can also depict a simple town scape or religious scenes including synagogues.
Personalization
A silver kiddush cup makes a wonderful Judaica gift for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, wedding, or even a new baby. These beautiful heirlooms can be used for years and will become part of the family tradition. They can also be personalized with engravings to commemorate special occasions.
A Kiddush cup is used to hold wine or grape juice when a blessing is recited over it on Shabbat and holidays. It is usually crafted from sterling silver but can also be made of pewter, fine china, or pottery. It is usually decorated with fruit; often grapes as a symbol of the wine or juice that will be consumed.
It is common for each family member to have their own personal kiddush cup so that they can drink from it without having to worry about sharing it with anyone else. This is because it is considered unhealthy to share the same drink especially if someone is sick or elderly.
