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Kiddush Cup

Kiddush Cup

This 20 centimeter kiddush cup is hand crafted out of silver. Its base is rounded and patterned with carved grape vines and abstract designs. The short stem is simply smooth, shiny silver. The container is the largest portion of the cup, making up about two thirds of it. Its shape is vaguely cylindrical, its center narrows from the wide top and bottom. The rim of the cup opens up wider and curves over. The container is decorated all around with grape vines and other designs. The front of the cup is distinguished with the Hebrew inscription "boreh pri ha gafen" which is the blessing said over the wine. Above this inscription is the image of a crown. The top quarter of the container is undecorated. It is, like the stem, smooth and shiny.

The grape vines signify wine, which the kiddush cup contains. Wine is an obligatory part of many Jewish ceremonies, including Kiddush. It serves as a reminder of Creation and the deliverance from Egypt. The crown that tops the Hebrew blessing is consistent with the Jewish tradition of placing the imagery of a crown above divine words. In Judaism, crowns refer to the crown of the High Priest. Crowns are reminders of the duty of all Jews to live a holy life.

Kiddush Cup Kiddush Cup
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