Chapter 77:3
Kiddush and the Shabbos Meals
3. The most preferable way of fulfilling the Mitzvah of Kiddush (1) is to
use aged wine ("Yayin Yoshon") (2). It is preferable to use good wine
("Yayin Yafeh"), and if possible, to do one's best to obtain red wine (3).
When suitable kosher wine [see Chapter 47] cannot be obtained easily, it is
permissible to use raisin wine (see Chapter 53:6).
The passage from the Torah beginning with the word "Vay'chulu" (Genesis
2:1-3) should be recited while standing (1). Afterwards, one should gaze at
the Shabbos candles (2), sit down (3), and gaze at the wine (4) while
reciting the blessing "Borey Pri Hagofen" and the actual Kiddush blessing.
A person who does not have wine should recite Kiddush over the Challah (6)
rather than over other beverages.
FOOTNOTES:
(1) The Gemara (Baba Basra 97) states: "One may only make Kiddush on wine
that would be suitable to be used as a libation offering on the Alter [in
the Temple]. The Gemara explains that even wines that would be acceptable
ex post facto on the Alter, are acceptable for Kiddush, although, as stated
in the Halacha above, it is preferable to use "good" wine (the definition
of the word "good" will become clearer as we cover the rest of this chapter).
(2) According to the Mishna Berura 272:5, "old wine" here means that it is
at least 40 days old. One may still fulfill one's obligation with grape juice.
(3) This passage is considered a testimony to the fact that Hashem created
the universe; it must therefore be recited standing because, in Jewish Law,
all testimony ("Edus") must be given while standing. The Rokeach cites a
Midrash which states that one should say "Vayechulu" three times: once
during the Shmoneh Esrei of Maariv, once after Shmoneh Esrei, and once as
part of Kiddush.
There are those who sit while saying "Vayechulu" at Kiddush time, because
they have already said it standing during Maariv (those who have this
custom usually stand for the first few words in honor of Hashem's name
which the first letter of these words spell when put together - "Yom
HaShishi, Vayechulu Hashomayim...") (Mishna Berura 271:45).
(4) The source of this is the Maharil and the reasoning is based on
Kabbalistic teachings. The Mishna Berura (271:48) writes: "Eyn Medakdekin
BaZeh Kol Kach."
(5) The Rema 271:10 states: "One may stand for Kiddush, but its better to
sit." According to the Tosfos (Berachos 43a), one should sit for Kiddush
because in circumstances such as this, in which one person is saying a
blessing on behalf of others, a "Keviyus" is required; in other words, all
those included have to be considered one group, and this is best achieved
by sitting down together. However, if it was said standing, and all had the
mental intent to be included in the blessing, it would still work provided
that all are standing together in one group. Others state that sitting down
at the table is the most appropriate way of fulfilling the requirement that
Kiddush must be said in the place where the Shabbos meal will be served
(Mishna Berura 271:46).
The Kabbalists wrote that one should say the entire Kiddush standing, and
this was the practice of the Arizal. A possible reason, cited by the Aruch
Hashulchan (271:24), is that the seven wedding blessings said under the
Chupah have to be recited while standing, and since Shabbos is compared to
a bride, the same would apply to Kiddush.
(5) To focus and maintain one's concentration (MB 271:49).
(6) If one is prefers not drinking wine, either for health reasons or because of any resulting discomfort, one may choose to make Kiddush over the bread, even when wine is available (See Mishna Berura 272:9 and Biur Halacha)(A piece of bread the size of a "Kazayis" (Olive size) is sufficient, if that is all one has (Chayei Odom 6:10). When making Kiddush over bread, one must rest one's hands on the bread for the duration of Kiddush.
