Congregation T'Shuvat Yisrael

What does the Word say?

Kiddush... Blessings over the wine or juice:

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Sh'ma

On Erev Shabbat, we like to make this evening special... to separate us from the cares of the world we deal with daily.  It is the end of the week for which we probably got up much too early. We rushed through breakfast, into traffic, off to places that want to change us into their perfect model, for their (im)perfect purpose.  Then we rush home to deal with more. This kind of schedule can "knock the stuffings" right out of the peaceful life we seek and are meant for. A weekly respite and purposeful time for reflection is the flawless gift from a loving heavenly Father.  It is the time to remind us of who made us, to take stock of who we are today and evaluate if we are in his perfect will... or are we sacrificing his plan for us in his permissive will?

A special cup, challis or wine glass is used from week to week in the blessing of the fruit of the vine.  Usually, Dad says the blessing, but a son or anyone else might say it for him.  It is your personal decision to use wine or juice in this blessing.  The purpose is not the form, but the opportunity to connect with past and future blessings from our Father.  Raise the cup and say:

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu
Melech ha'olam,
Boray pri ha'gafen.

Blessed are thou, L-rd our G-d,
King of the universe,
who creates the fruit of the vine.

Some optional Blessings for you:
Blessed are Thou, L-rd our G-d,
King of the universe,
Who has sanctified us by His commandments and has loved us.

His holy Shabbat He has lovingly and graciously bestowed upon us, recalling the creation of the world.

It is the first of the holy assemblies, a remembrance of the going forth from Egypt.

You have chosen us and hallowed us from among all the peoples.

Blessed are Thou, L-rd our G-d, who hallows the Shabbat.

Congregation T'Shuvat Yisrael

Kiddush... Blessings over the wine or juice: