#58: The Mitzvah of Kiddush: Background

Rabbi Eli Ozarowski
  1. Reciting Kiddush fulfills a Torah mitzvah to sanctify Shabbat when it begins (Pesachim 106a; Rambam, Hilchot Shabbat ch.29). It is generally accepted that this Torah mitzvah can be fulfilled verbally.
  2. For this reason, some authorities maintain that one can fulfill the Torah mitzvah of Kiddush through reciting Ma'ariv on Friday night (see Mishnah Berurah 271:2 & Bi’ur Halachah 271:1). Nevertheless, on a rabbinic level, one must recite Kiddush on a cup of wine (Magen Avraham 271:1).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.