How to Make Kiddush on Shabbat: A Simple Guide

One of the hallmarks of a Jewish home is Kiddush on Shabbat. Wherever Jews gather around the world, Kiddush is part of the experience. Even those who are not fully observant often hold on to this ritual as a meaningful expression of Jewish identity and tradition.

Customs vary from community to community, and that is part of the beauty of Kiddush. Many people follow the version they grew up with. Still, if you want to fulfill the mitzvah according to halacha, there are a few key guidelines to keep in mind.

The Mitzvah of Kiddush

Kiddush is a Torah mitzvah, based on the verse, “Remember the Shabbat day to sanctify it.” The Sages explain that this remembrance is expressed over wine, which is why Kiddush is recited with a cup.

Kiddush must be made on Shabbat itself, not before. If you would like to begin Shabbat early, which is common in places where nightfall is late or for those who prefer an earlier start, you must first accept Shabbat. This is typically done by lighting candles and accepting the restrictions of Shabbat. From that moment on, you should not eat until Kiddush is made.

Wine, Grape Juice, and the Kiddush Cup

Kiddush is ideally recited over wine. If that is difficult, grape juice is also acceptable from the outset.

In many Sephardi communities, it is customary to be strict and use grape juice that is not made from concentrate diluted with water, following the ruling of the Beit Yosef. Bottles that meet this standard are often labeled accordingly.

The cup used for Kiddush should be complete and undamaged. Avoid using a cup that is cracked or chipped. It should be clean and rinsed before use, and it is customary to fill it to the top. If someone has already drunk from the cup, add a small amount of wine from the bottle before continuing.

Covering the Challah

Before Kiddush, the challah loaves are covered. Normally, the blessing over bread comes before the blessing over wine, but Kiddush is a special mitzvah that takes priority. Covering the challah preserves its honor.

This also serves as a reminder of the manna in the desert, which was surrounded by layers of dew, and of the double portion prepared before Shabbat. Likewise, the two loaves for Shabbat remain covered until the meal begins.

How to Make Kiddush

The person making Kiddush should hold the cup in their right hand and lift it slightly.

The essential parts of Kiddush include the passage of Vayechulu, which describes the completion of Creation, followed by the blessing Borei Pri HaGafen and the blessing of Kiddush itself. Many communities add additional verses beforehand, and each person should follow their family’s custom.

It is common to stand for Vayechulu, since it is considered a form of testimony. When you are a guest, follow the custom of the person leading Kiddush.

Those listening should intend to fulfill their obligation through the recitation. If they plan to drink from the wine, they should not speak until after tasting. If they did speak, they still fulfill Kiddush but would need to make a new blessing before drinking.

The one reciting Kiddush should drink m’lo lugmav, an amount that fills one cheek.

Kiddush and the Meal

Kiddush should be followed by a meal, and there should not be a long interruption between the two. Only brief pauses for necessary preparations are acceptable.

You should also remain in the same place where Kiddush was made, unless leaving is directly related to the meal.

Shabbat Morning Kiddush

On Shabbat morning, the same basic rules apply. Once the morning prayers are complete, the obligation of Kiddush begins, and you should not eat or drink, even water, beforehand.

The morning Kiddush is shorter. The additional verses are not essential; the main requirement is the blessing Borei Pri HaGafen.

What Counts as a Meal

Although Kiddush should be connected to a meal, it does not always require a full bread meal. Foods made from grains, such as cake or pastries, are sufficient to fulfill this requirement.

This is why, at many public Kiddush gatherings, people eat mezonot foods after Kiddush and have a full meal later.

If There Is No Wine

If wine or grape juice is not available, Kiddush can be made over bread after the fact. In that case, recite the Kiddush passages, make the blessing over the bread, and proceed with the meal.

Who Is Obligated

Women are equally obligated in Kiddush and can fulfill the obligation on behalf of others. One woman can make Kiddush for another, just as men can.

A Moment That Elevates the Home

Kiddush is more than a ritual. It is a moment that brings meaning, connection, and holiness into the home. With just a few simple guidelines, you can fulfill the mitzvah properly and make Shabbat feel even more special each week.