kiddush

Jewish prayer and act of blessing. It forms part of the ceremony of the Sabbath or a holy festival conducted in the home or in synagogue. The kiddush prayer is recited over wine and challah (plaited bread), or other food, which is then shared by those present. In a family ceremony, the father makes kiddush by blessing wine to celebrate the joyful arrival of the Sabbath, and then blessing two challahs, which symbolize the bodily and spiritual food provided by God. In a synagogue, the kiddush is said over wine at the end of the service, which is then shared by the congregation.