Shabbat and Jewish holiday meals begin with a blessing over a cup of wine. Many families have a special glass or goblet specifically for the purpose, often an heirloom that has been passed down through the generations, but any cup can function as a Kiddush cup if necessary. Either wine or grape juice may be used for this blessing, and some families stand for Kiddush, while others sit.
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Kiddush
Pronounced: KID-ush, Origin: Hebrew, literally holiness, the blessing said over wine or grape juice to sanctify Shabbat and holiday.
