A silver kiddush cup is a very special cup used to recite the blessings over wine or grape juice at a Shabat or Jewish holiday meal. A silver kiddush cup is normally engraved with words of blessings to G-d and various designs such as stars of David, lions or vines. Silver kiddush cups are very expensive and are usually only seen during special Jewish occasions such as a Bar Mitzvah or weddings. The word kiddush means “sanctification” in Hebrew. The purpose of the kiddush ceremony is to sanctify the Sabbath or holidays by acknowledging that they are holy. The recitation of the blessings over a glass of wine or grape juice is accompanied by a special prayer and two covered pieces of bread which represent the double portion of manna which the Israelites received from God during their years in the wilderness. Kiddush is traditionally recited by men but nowadays women can also participate in the ritual. It is customary for every member of the family to take part in reciting the blessings over the kiddush cup and drinking from it. It is a very important aspect of the Jewish religion and a very beautiful tradition. What kind of cup should I use for Kiddush? The ideal kiddush cup should be made of sterling silver since it is the most kosher option. Other metals such as aluminum react with the wine and create an unpleasant taste in the mouth of the drinker. A sterling silver kiddush cup can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. A good quality kiddush cup should be polished and not tarnished or oxidized. It should also be thick enough to maintain its shape and not be prone to breakage or cracking. The silver should also be sourced from a reputable company that has a long history of producing quality Judaica. There are many companies that produce sterling silver kiddush cups in a variety of styles and sizes. However, it is best to shop around and find the one that suits you the most. Many stores will provide you with a sample so that you can see what the cup looks like before making a purchase. The most popular style of sterling silver kiddush cup is the tapered type that has an angled base. These are very elegant and come in a variety of different designs. Some are more ornate and have a sculpted crown while others are simpler with just an angled base. Most of the time, these types of cups are handmade by artisans in Israel. They are very beautiful and will make your Sabbath or holiday meals more special. The artisan who makes the cups will also usually engrave your name or initials on it which is very special. These are great gifts for Jewish friends and loved ones. There are also some companies that sell pre-made sterling silver kiddush cups that are very affordable and easy to find. It is important to look for these kinds of products if you want to get the most bang for your buck. גביע קידוש מכסף
