Treasures of Temple Sinai

On each Shabbat and festival, one of the first blessings to be recited is Kiddush, the blessing for the holiness and sweetness of the day.  The blessing is said over wine or grape juice, the “fruit of the vine.”

It is a mitzvah to make Shabbat a holy day by setting it apart from the other days of the week.  The Torah tells us “God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy because on it God ceased from all the work of creation which He had done.” (Genesis 2:2-3)  One of the ways we fulfill this mitzvah is by making the Kiddush each Shabbat and at the beginning of each holy day…with the exception of Yom Kippur, of course!

The wine can be drunk from any kind of cup, but in the spirit of hiddur mitzvah, Temple Sinai has a magnificent set of Kiddush cups.  Not only are the cups beautiful, but they have added significance because they were gifts from the Confirmation classes over a number of years.

Each class in turn inscribed a cup and presented it to the congregation, to be used on the bimah on Shabbat and holidays.  I believe it is meaningful to the students because they know that their contribution will remain on the bimah and be used for many years.

The cups are made of precious metal with elegant filigree around the edges and an inscription engraved in beautiful calligraphy.  Using them each week adds a lot to the experience of reciting the Kiddush.

Not only are the cups beautiful, but knowing that they come from our most devoted young people gives us all great hope for the future.  Using the cups is a chance to celebrate the bright future that these students, now young adults, will create. In addition, having the Kiddush cups come from the Confirmation classes means that each time we have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah service, the B’nai Mitzvah students are reminded that there are more goals to pursue in Jewish learning and living.  The older students become role models for the younger students, creating bridges between and within the generations.

In addition to the Kiddush cups, last year’s Confirmation class changed the tradition and designed a magnificent challah cover. The cover has embroidered images of Jerusalem and a dedication message from the students.  In the spirit of hiddur mitzvah, this beautiful cover adds to the experience of saying Motzi and enjoying our challah each week.

RABBI PETER W. STEIN (sinairabbi@yahoo.com) is the spiritual leader of Temple Sinai in Cranston and has the pleasure of teaching the Confirmation class each year.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is part of a series about Hiddur Mitzvah (enhancement or beautification of the divine commandment). In appreciation of Hiddur Mitzvah, The Jewish Voice will highlight Judaica collections and treasures in our synagogues and museums throughout the state.