#81: Machshavah

We learned above that Kiddush should be recited specifically on wine. The simple explanation for this is that wine is considered an important drink and its use bestows the Kiddush with a more elevated status. Rav Chaim of Tzernovitch offers an additional explanation in Sidduro shel Shabbat (3:2) based upon Kabbalistic ideas drawn from Rav Chaim Vital in the Pri Etz Chaim. He explains that since wine gladdens people and brings them joy, we use it to “sweeten the harsh judgment” that comes from Hashem:

“Since it [Kiddush] comes to sweeten Hashem’s justice and transform it into mercy, it must specifically be done through something that brings joy to both God and people, as the verse states, 'And wine gladdens the heart of man'... All of this [the halachot of reciting Kiddush on wine] is based on the principle that the mitzvah of Kiddush, which involves sweetening and removing judgment, should be performed with delight and joy, infusing it with the sweetness of taste and the gladness of the heart”.

According to this understanding, the more that we rejoice and express our happiness through reciting Kiddush properly and appreciating the role of the wine, the more that Hashem will “sweeten” the decrees and judgments against us. May each of us, as well as the Jewish people as a whole, merit to recite Kiddush properly and transform the judgments against us into a sweeter outcome.

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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.