Kiddush (Hebrew:
קידוש, literally, "sanctification") is a blessing
recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify the
Shabbat or a Jewish holiday. 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 regarded as a
commandment from the Torah (as it is explained by
the Oral Torah). Reciting kiddush before the
morning meal on Shabbat and holidays, however, 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. |
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