Kiddush and Candles

Hi,

We have already mentioned that one should look at the Shabbat candles before reciting Kiddush on Friday night. According to one school, one must recite Kiddush in the room containing the Shabbat candles. This is a minority view.

In practice, it is preferable to eat in the room with the candles. Since the candles are there to provide enjoyment rather than pain, one may eat elsewhere if eating in that room would be difficult.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 273:7; Mishneh Berurah 273:32)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Defining a 'meal' for Kiddush

Hi,

We have said that Kiddush must be recited where one will eat a meal.

For this purpose, 'meal' includes an olive-sized quantity of bread, or grain-based mezonot - pasta, cake or cookies, for example.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 273:5)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Reciting kiddush at the site of one's meal

Hi,

Kiddush is supposed to be recited with a meal, for Tanach (Isaiah 58:13) links the "declaration of Shabbat" with "enjoyment of Shabbat." Therefore, one should recite Kiddush in the specific location where one will eat the meal.

We define "location" as any site from which one can see the place where one will eat the meal. One should be in the same room.

If one recites Kiddush in the Succah and then rain begins, one may move the meal indoors into a room which could be seen from the Succah. This is a leniency due to great need.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 273:1; Mishneh Berurah 273:1,3,5,7)

Have a great day,
Mordechai