Kiddush on Friday evening

The “Kiddush” is a prayer recited during the Friday evening meal to mark the beginning of Shabbat, the sacred day of rest in the Jewish tradition. The term “Kiddush” means “sanctification” in Hebrew.

During the Friday evening Kiddush, a special cup of wine (or grape juice) called a “kiddush” is filled and held by the person leading the ceremony. This is usually done by the head of the household or a designated person.

Kiddush begins with the recitation of specific blessings over the wine, expressing gratitude to God for the creation of the fruit of the vine and for the sanctification of Shabbat. Next, an additional blessing called the “Birkat Kiddush” is recited, praising God for choosing the Jewish people and for commanding the observance of the Sabbath.

After the blessings, the person leading the Kiddush takes a small cup or spoon and pours a little wine into an empty dish. This action symbolises the ‘separation’ of the Sabbath from the other days of the week.

Once the Kiddush has been completed, the wine is shared amongst those present, who drink it as a sign of celebration and to sanctify the Sabbath. Often, additional songs and prayers may be recited to mark the start of the Sabbath meal.

The Friday evening Kiddush is an important moment for the family and the Jewish community, as it symbolises the entry into a time of holiness and rest. It serves as a reminder of the importance of Shabbat and provides a moment of gratitude, reflection and spiritual connection with God.