Silver Kiddush Cups

The elegance of Silver Kiddush Cups is a rarity that lasts for generations. The Kiddush itself is a ceremonial tradition which has a long history that is derived from Jewish Law, or torah. The torah states that Jews worldwide, from generation to generation, must remember and keep the Sabbath or Shabbat. Kiddush literally means, sanctification, to sanctify the Holy Jewish Sabbath. The most traditional of all types of Kiddush cups, is the Silver Kiddush cup. Despite the fact that any cup may be used for Kiddush, so long as seventy-seven milliliters of liquid or a revi'it of liquid is used for the blessing, the most common and requested of all cups are Silver Kiddush Cups.

Silver Kiddush Cups as Gifts

When looking for the most appropriate gift for someone else or when searching for one’s own family Kiddush cup, oftentimes, shoppers find themselves amongst most judaica gift stores or areas where judaica gifts are sold. Amongst the millions of gift possibilities from Bar and Bat Mitzvah Jewelry to tallit clips, Silver Kiddush Cups usually stand out for being one of the most “classy” and traditional items of all Judaica around. The styles in which many Silver Kiddush Cups vary today include: silver filigree, Jerusalem enamel, silver hammered, silver vine (like a grape vine), silver Yemenite design, and classic Silver Kiddush Cups.

In addition to actual Silver Kiddush Cups, almost all Kiddush cups carry with them a plate, and in this case a silver Kiddush plate. The Kiddush cup is placed on top of the plate which can serve as a catching device for liquid while the Kiddush is recited. Jewish men elevate the cup when reciting the blessing or bracha. The actual blessing is "Bore Pri HaGefen,” meaning - "creator of the fruit of the vine.” Most Askenazi, or Eastern European Silver Kiddush Cups are in the shape of a goblet with a stem and base. While many Sephardic or Middle-eastern or Spanish Kiddush cups have no stem and base and sit like a regular small glass.

The Jewish Sabbath

After families attend the synagogue services on Friday evenings, which initiates the Jewish Sabbath, the Kiddush is the first thing recited. The blessing of washing of the hands, or “Al Netilat Yadayim,” is the second blessing. Jews have recited this very important blessing also upon rising in the morning. An interesting fact is known that many Jews survived the era of the Black Plague due to the fact that they were one of the few groups of people who stayed clean because of this blessing everyday. As it is known, the Black Plague was prevented by using simple soap and water. The third blessing is over the bread. The blessing over the bread, or challah, is another important blessing within the Shabbat ritual.

Throughout Judaica, there are Challah cutting boards, and other beautiful items and gifts that accompany and support Jewish Family traditions. Silver Kiddush Cups, however, remain at the forefront of the most requested item within Judaica.