A silver kiddush cup is used for the blessing over wine or grape juice made for Jewish Sabbaths and holidays. This cup is usually engraved and decorated with many symbols that are important in the history of Judaism. This can include fruits, grapes, a simple townscape with a synagogue or other architectural buildings, initials and names, or a passage from the Torah.
Kiddush cups can be made of a variety of materials including anodized aluminum pewter, sterling silver 925, or even glass, ceramic, or stone. The Talmud specifies that they must hold a revi’it of liquid, which is approximately between 90.7 millilitres and 161.5 millilitres. The cup can be a stemmed or stemless vessel.
Most kiddush cups are crafted from silver for several reasons. Silver is known for being purer and longer lasting than other metals such as gold, which is often too expensive to use for kiddush. Silver also has antibacterial properties, making it perfect for a kiddush cup.
It is traditional for every member of a family to have their own kiddush cup. This way, it is not necessary to share the same one with others. It is also a good idea for the rabbi to have a separate cup that he uses exclusively when he comes to your house to sanctify your wine on Shabbat or other holidays.
If you are looking for a unique and elegant kiddush cup to add to your home, Baltinester has a great selection of beautiful hand-crafted ones to choose from. Each is crafted by a top Israeli designer and comes with a certificate of authenticity.