A silver kiddush cup is a special Jewish utensil used to hold the wine during the recitation of the Sabbath or holiday benediction. It also holds the bread placed on the table to symbolize the double portion of manna that the Israelites received during their years in the wilderness.
Traditionally, a kiddush cup is made of silver but it can be made from other materials including glass or regular ceramic. In Israel you can even find cups made from olive tree wood. It is a beautiful way to elevate your Shabbat or holiday meal and it makes an excellent Judaica gift.
There are many opinions regarding what type of wine is used for Kiddush but the Mishna in Pesachim (90a) states that it must be red wine and Rishonim imply that this is because black grapes were not available at the time when the Mishna was written. Today most people use red wine for kiddush but there are those who prefer to use grape juice as long as it is mevushal. Some people add a little bit of red wine to their grape juice for the sake of sanctification and for taste.
When purchasing a new Kiddush cup it is important to choose one with a clean design that is easy to handle. It is best to avoid cups that have intricate patterns or handles because they can be difficult to hold and pour wine from. It is also recommended to only buy a cup that has been polished and not tarnished because it will be easier to wash and care for. It is also best to only use your cup for Kiddush and not for other drinks. גביע קידוש מכסף
