#59: The Mitzvah of Kiddush: Who is Obligated
- Women and men are equally obligated in the mitzvah of Kiddush. In principle, women can recite Kiddush for men as well, though in practice it is not usually done, even within the family, unless there is a specific need (see Mishnah Berurah 271:4).
- Children older than the age of chinuch (education, assumed to be around age 6 or 7) are also obligated, as they are for other mitzvot, and should make sure to hear Kiddush as well. However, a child may not recite Kiddush on behalf of an adult in most cases (see Mishnah Berurah 271:2, 3). Some even say that a thirteen-year old may not recite Kiddush on behalf of others his age, though others disagree (Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchatah ch.51, n.38; Piskei Teshuvot 271:7).
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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.
