If you haven't done so yet today, please recite the
Blessings over the Torah
before reading the Torah on this web site.
Men and women are equally required to recite or hear Kiddush Friday night. After the sun goes down on Friday, it is forbidden to eat any food before reciting or hearing Kiddush.
Kiddush should be recited over wine or grape juice. If you are unable to obtain wine, or if you cannot drink wine for health reasons, you may make kiddush over bread. To do so, wash your hands first, recite Kiddush, and below, instead of saying the blessing over wine, recite the blessing over bread (see below). It is preferable to use two loaves (even small ones will do) of bread, whenever possible.
Many have the custom that only one person recites Kiddush on behalf of all assembled. Whoever hears Kiddush from another must intend to fulfill the Commandment by listening and responding "Amen" at the appropriate times. Likewise, the person reciting must intend to include the assembled people in fulfilling the Commandment. The person reciting does not answer "Amen" after his own recital.
Many have the custom to stand for Kiddush. Some stand only until ready to recite the blessing over the fruit of the vine (see below). Some sit throughout, but stand up for a moment as they begin the first few words, and then sit down for the rest.
We may not speak any other words from the beginning of Kiddush until after we drink the wine (or eat the bread).
Fill your wine cup to the very top. Grasp your wine cup in your right hand (in your left hand, if you're left-handed). If you're making kiddush over bread, place both hands on the bread.
Some recite quietly:
I am hereby prepared and ready to fulfill the Commandment of reciting Kiddush on wine, as it says, "Remember and Keep the Sabbath," and the Rabbis have taught that we should remember the Sabbath over wine.
There was evening and there was morning: On the sixth day, the heavens and the earth and all their components were completed. On the seventh day, G-d completed Creation by creating rest, when He ceased doing the work of Creation. G-d blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because on it He had ceased all the tasks that He had been creating and which He had set in motion.
Some people sit down at this point, and recite the remainder of Kiddush sitting. Others continue to stand.With your permission, Honored Assembled:
Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates produce of the vine.
If you are saying Kiddush over bread, recite: Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.
All others respond: Amen
Blessed are You Hashem our G-d, Ruler of the universe, Who has made us holy through His commandments, and Who has desired us, and Who has lovingly and fondly bestowed upon us His holy Sabbath, as remembrance of the act of Creation. First and foremost among the Holy times and seasons of the year, it is a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt.
You have lovingly and fondly bestowed upon us Your holy Sabbath.
Blessed are You, Hashem our God, King of the universe, Who makes the Sabbath holy.
All others respond: Amen
Sit down, if it is your custom to stand for Kiddush, and drink the Kiddush wine. You should drink at least about two ounces. If making Kiddush over bread, eat a few ounces.[Home Page] | [ Shabbat Gateway ] |