Blessed are You,
Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who creates
the fruit of the vine.
Shabbos meals
begin with the recitation of the Kiddush, which
is said by the head of the household or any male
over thirteen. Our Rabbis ordained that Shabbos
should be sanctified with wine. Usually a silver
cup holding a minimum of four ounces is reserved
for this purpose. The one reciting the Kiddush
drinks at least two ounces, and then distributes
the rest among those who are included in the
Kiddush. Kiddush is prefaced with the words, "Savri
Maranan" (By your leave, gentleman) to call the
family and guests to attention so that they will
not have to recite the blessing for themselves.
Many people, however, have the custom that all
male members over the age of thirteen recite the
Kiddush.
