From Kugel to Cocktails: A Cultural History of the Kiddush Ritual in Shaping Synagogue Communities (Hebrew)

• In Event: Three Perspectives on Jewish Religious Life

Abstract

This paper presents a groundbreaking perspective on the Kiddush ritual, a blessing over wine followed by a light meal sponsored by community members, which takes place on Shabbat morning after the prayer service in synagogues. Grounded in the field of cultural history, this research expands upon my earlier work on the Kiddush club as a men's social club and the communal Kiddush as a cultural carnival. The paper delivers an innovative analysis of the historical and cultural origins of the Kiddush ritual, mapping its evolution in Jewish history and its contemporary adaptations in various Jewish communities, with a special focus on Israel.
The study reveals the Kiddush ritual's pivotal role as a central scene of community engagement, serving as a mirror to the congregation's values, traditions, and social fabric. While incorporating modern elements, such as the cocktail party structure and the influence of American culture, the Kiddush also symbolizes a resurgence of the ancient model of the synagogue as a community hub. This research provides unique insights into the enduring tension between the religious and social functions of the synagogue institution, tracing its origins back to ancient times.
Through a comprehensive, in-depth investigation, this paper explores the challenges and opportunities presented by the Kiddush ritual, encompassing halakhic matters, financial considerations, social dynamics, and health concerns. It highlights how the Kiddush reflects cultural and culinary trends while revealing the tensions and contradictions within the community.
By presenting a trailblazing viewpoint on the Kiddush ritual, this paper enriches our comprehension of the synagogue's transforming role in Jewish communities and the intricate interplay between religious and social functions in molding the congregation's identity and character in contemporary Jewish life.

* Please note that the lecture can be delivered in either Hebrew or English.

Author

• Michal Shaul, Herzog Academic College