Silver Kiddush Cup
A Silver kiddush cup is an important part of Jewish tradition. They are used for the ritual of sanctifying wine (Kiddush) on Friday nights and other Jewish holidays or ceremonies. Traditionally, it is a special cup that is handed down through generations of the family.
Traditionally, the cups are made of silver 925 or other precious metals, but in modern times they can be made from glass, ceramics, stone and even metal alloys like anodized aluminum pewter. Regardless of their material, the cups must be small enough to hold at least a revi’it (3.2 oz or 95 ml). They are also typically decorated with etchings, which is not just a decorative aspect but rather a sign of respect for the holy object.
The most important thing to remember is that the cup must be washed before using it for Kiddush. The reason is that any residual taste from food or other liquids in the cup would invalidate the blessing made on it.
The silver Kiddush cups are very delicate and require a lot of care and attention. They can be damaged by harsh chemicals and must be handled carefully so that they do not deteriorate over time. I have restored a few of these in the past and it is always a very interesting challenge to get them back to their original state without damaging any gold plating or other coating on the inside. It is a wonderful thing that people like Jizchak Bier are still making these objects today, over ninety years later, to inspire the continued practice of ancient traditions.כוס קידוש כסף