Sitting down at the shul kiddush

Hi,

Is there a preference for sitting or standing while the Rav recites kiddush at the shul kiddush?

Ideally, one should recite kiddush on behalf of another only when both parties are seated at the same table, in order to establish and define the group that is fulfilling its mitzvah together. This applies to havdalah as well. However, if a group of people gathers in a clearly defined space with intent to perform a mitzvah as one, then standing is acceptable.

In another halachah related to sitting and kiddush, one should sit while reciting al hamichyah after eating cookies or cake, as one does for the berachot of hamotzi and birkat hamazon. This is meant to display respect for the berachah, and to aid concentration. However, one who eats while walking to a destination may stand while reciting the berachah; this is not disrespectful, because the eating itself takes place while standing, and because sitting down for the berachah would cause a distracting delay in the trip.

(Berachot 43a; Tosafot ibid. ho'il; Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 167:11, 183:9-10; 184:; 213:1; Mishneh Berurah 271:46; Aruch haShulchan Orach Chaim 271:24. And see Rivivot Ephraim 1:151:6)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Benefit from the light of Shabbat

Hi,

Some people look at the Shabbat candles just before reciting Kiddush, and then at the actual cup of wine during Kiddush.

Looking at the Shabbat candles reminds us of the day, and gives us the benefit of the light of Shabbat. The Talmud indicates that there is healing power in the light of the Shabbat candles. We turn our eyes back to the Kiddush cup during Kiddush, though, to avoid distraction from the blessing.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 271:10; Mishneh Berurah 271:48)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Standing or Sitting for Kiddush, Part II

Hi,

We have mentioned that there is merit in sitting for Kiddush, as this establishes one's location for the meal and Kiddush is supposed to be “on the site” of the meal.

There is another reason to sit, and this is specifically where one is reciting Kiddush for other people. Sitting down together establishes that they are all in the same group. As such, it is appropriate for all involved to be seated.

Standing does not invalidate the Kiddush for the group, though(and especially if one must stand in order to be audible). The only practice which would invalidate the Kiddush would be to have everyone milling about in different directions.

(Mishneh Berurah 271:46)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Standing or Sitting for Kiddush

Hi,

We stand when reciting Kiddush, at least for the first paragraph, because that paragraph serves as testimony to Gd's creation of the world and because the initials of the opening words spell out Gd's unpronounceable name, Yud-Hei-Vav and Hei (Yom Hashishi Vayechulu Hashamayim).

Some sit even for the first paragraph, because Kiddush is supposed to be established in the location of one's meal; in halachah, one establishes a location by sitting down.

Either custom is appropriate.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 271:10; Mishneh Berurah 271:45-46)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Looking at the candles during kiddush

Hi,

There is a practice of looking at the Shabbat candles just before reciting Kiddush, and then looking at the actual cup of wine during Kiddush.

Looking at the Shabbat candles reminds us of the day, and it also enables us to enjoy the light we created for Shabbat. Further, the Talmud indicates that there is healing power in the light of the Shabbat candles.

We turn our eyes back to the Kiddush cup during Kiddush to avoid distraction from the blessing.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 271:10; Mishneh Berurah 271:48)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Drinking sitting down

Hi,

We have been learning about Havdalah.

One should sit down to drink the cup from Havdalah, even if one recited Havdalah itself while standing (as many customarily do).

This rule applies to all Mitzvot which involve consumption, such as Kiddush. Some explain that the reason we sit is in order to give the Mitzvah a sense of permanence.

(Mishneh Berurah 296:6)

Have a great day,
Mordechai