A silver kiddush cup is a beautiful way to keep the Jewish tradition of sanctifying wine during Shabbat and other Jewish holidays. It is traditionally engraved with the family name words of blessing to God and other symbols such as stars of David, lions and vines. These engraved designs make a special keepsake for the entire family and help to bring peace and beauty into their lives.
A kosher kiddush cup can be made of various materials such as anodized aluminum pewter, sterling silver 925, onyx stone, glass or even regular ceramic. The Talmud specifies that it should hold at least 3 oz of liquid. It can also be crafted with etchings or paintings and is often decorated with fruit; grapes to symbolize the wine or grape juice that will be blessed in it. Many of these cups are crafted with scenes of ancestral towns, villages or synagogues.
During the sanctification of the wine, it is traditional to recite the blessing over the cup which is called the “kiddush cup”. The rabbi usually comes to your home and sanctifies the drink using this special cup that is reserved for him.
Silver is the most common material used for making kiddush cups. It is not only beautiful but it also has the benefit of being anti-fungal and antibacterial. This means that it is able to stop the growth of fungi and bacteria which can cause infections in humans. In addition, silver is very durable and can withstand harsh conditions. However, it is important to always wash the cup by hand to avoid exposing it to any chemicals or substances which could damage it.