Parshat Yitro

‘Remember – ‘Zachor’- the Sabbath day to keep it holy’ (Shemot 20,8)

The Talmud (Pesachim 106a) learns the obligation to make Kiddush with wine at the beginning of Shabbat, and (at least according to Rambam) to make Havdalah with wine at the end of Shabbat from this verse. Saying Kiddush is Biblically mandated; use of wine is of Rabbinic origin. The verse enjoins us simply to declare that it is Shabbat. We do this in Friday night prayers, but since we know we will make Kiddush later over wine, it may be assumed that we will discharge our obligation to declare it is Shabbat when we make Kiddush.

The obligation of Kiddush applies equally to women (Shevuot 20b). In the repetition of the Ten Commandments (Devarim 5, 12) the word ‘shamor’ is used instead of ‘zachor’. The Talmud says these two words were miraculously said together, teaching both active and refraining aspects of Shabbat. Women are obligated in both, overriding their usual exemption from time-bound mitzvot.

There are two mainstream approaches to making Kiddush. Chasidic tradition prefers all males to make Kiddush for themselves, and their wives, even though women can also make Kiddush for men. Mitnagdic (non-Chasidic) tradition opts for one person to make Kiddush on behalf on everybody in the room using the principle of ‘shome’a ke’oneh’ (Sucah 38b) – one who listens, and answers ‘Amen’ is like one who has spoken. It is also necessary to use a generously sized cup and to make Kiddush where you will then eat!

Sefer Hachinuch, a guide to mitzvot written for the author’s son, to give him something to do on Shabbat afternoons (pre Bnei Akiva), explains that Kiddush reminds us of G-d’s Sovereignty and creation of the world. This is best accomplished over wine, a fine beverage to grace a significant occasion.