(Left) Bezalel Workshops. Kiddush Cup. 1908-1929. NY: Jewish Museum.
(Right) The Ardagh Chalice. 8th century CE. National Museum of Ireland.
The word 'kiddush' means holiness or to make something holy, to sanctify it. The prayer 'kiddush' is a blessing recited over a cup of wine or juice before the blessing over the bread at the beginning of Shabbat. Portions of Genesis 1 are read, remembering how God finished the work of creation and sanctified the seventh day as a day of rest. After the blessing is recited the cup is passed around so that all can take a sip.In Christian practice, a chalice or cup of some kind is used as part of the celebration of the Lord's Supper. Remembering Jesus' last supper with his disciples, the chalice is often lifted up as words are said and the people are invited to the table. In some congregations worshipers come forward and share a common cup; in others, congregations use individual cups.
If you remember the ending of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, you remember that Indy's challenge was to choose the "real" Grail - understood as the cup that Jesus used at that last supper - from the myriad of cups and plates arrayed around him. The choices included cups of silver and gold that shone in the firelight. Some were encrusted with jewels that added richness and sparkle. Kiddush cups are often heirlooms, passed down through families. Many kiddush cups are silver, engraved, special, in order to suitably honor the occasion for which the cups are used. However, any cup can be used.
In both traditions, there are options to use cups that have been made more precious through time and materials. But neither tradition requires a cup that is expensive or bejeweled or a prize to be attained. It is, after all, already precious, if it reminds us we lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
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