What is kiddish?

Kiddush is a Jewish blessing recited over a cup of wine or grape juice to sanctify the Shabbat or Jewish holiday. It is customary to recite Kiddush before partaking of a meal on these occasions. The Kiddush blessing consists of two parts: the blessing over the wine and a blessing that sanctifies the day. Kiddush is typically recited by the head of the household or another respected member of the community. Some families also incorporate Kiddush as part of their Friday night Shabbat dinner ritual. The word Kiddush means "sanctification" in Hebrew and is derived from the same root as the word kadosh, meaning "holy."