Blessed are You,
Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who creates
the fruit of the vine.
Shabbos
meals begin with the recitation of the Kiddush,
which is said by the head of the household or any
male over thirteen. Our Rabbis ordained that
Shabbos should be sanctified with wine. Usually a
silver cup holding a minimum of four ounces is
reserved for this purpose. The one reciting the
Kiddush drinks at least two ounces, and then
distributes the rest among those who are included
in the Kiddush. Kiddush is prefaced with the
words, "Savri Maranan" (By your leave, gentleman)
to call the family and guests to attention so that
they will not have to recite the blessing for
themselves. Many people, however, have the custom
that all male members over the age of thirteen
recite the Kiddush.
