When I set out to design a modern kiddush cup, I wanted to make sure it brought something new to our old traditions, and not just on the surface.
This contemporary kiddush cup is the piece people ask me about most. The shape alone gets noticed. Fill it with wine and you will find out there's more going on than you thought.
How the Star of David appears in the wine
This kiddush cup's form is shaped so that when you pour wine in, the wine settles into a perfect Star of David, or Magen David. The star isn't a decoration added to the kiddush cup; it's the shape the cup was built from. Every curve and surface has the Jewish star in its DNA. You only see the Magen David once the cup is filled, which means it shows up anew every Friday night, bringing an extra moment of joy to your Shabbat kiddush.
Why there's a second star in the base
Flip this kiddush cup upside-down and you'll see the foot is a second Star of David. Why? Because more is more, especially when it comes to Jewish joy.
The pomegranate shape, explained
The rounded body of the cup is shaped like a pomegranate, one of the seven species named in the Torah. Tradition holds that a pomegranate contains 613 seeds, one for each of the 613 mitzvot. It's a detail rooted in Jewish tradition and history, and it defines the silhouette of this piece of modern Judaica.
Kiddush cup size and Jewish law
I love designing Judaica, because halachic laws provide design requirements and constraints. This cup holds at least 4.4 ounces of wine, which follows the stricter opinions on the minimum volume (revi'it) required to properly fulfill the kiddush blessing on Shabbat. A beautiful design that meets the standards.
Stemmed or stemless: two ways to experience the same design
This kiddush cup is available in two silhouettes. The stemless, or ‘pom,’ version has a short foot that enhances the pomegranate shape by acting as the crown. The stemmed version offers a more traditional Shabbos silhouette, closer to a classic goblet. Both versions carry the same hidden Star of David and the same pomegranate symbolism, just in different shapes.
Frequently asked questions
How big should a kiddush cup be?
Jewish law requires a kiddush cup to hold a minimum volume called a revi'it. Opinions on the exact amount vary, but this cup is sized to hold at least 4.4 ounces to meet a more stringent standard.
What does the pomegranate shape on a kiddush cup mean?
The pomegranate is one of the seven species named in the Torah and is traditionally said to hold 613 seeds, one for each mitzvah. It's a common motif in Jewish design, symbolizing abundance and the fullness of the commandments.
Is a ceramic kiddush cup kosher?
Yes. Jewish law doesn't restrict the material a kiddush cup is made from, silver, glass, wood, and ceramic are all valid. What matters is that the cup is complete, unchipped, and holds the required minimum volume.
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