Making Kiddush on Whiskey

When making Kiddush on whiskey on Shabbos morning, does the cup need to be full? What if you are using a larger, regular drinking cup?

From the words זכור את יום השבת לקדשו, the Gemara[1] derives the obligation to recite Kiddush over wine. Tosfos[2] posits that the Torah only requires that one recite the words of Kiddush, but the need for wine is only a Rabbinic requirement. But then suggests that the Torah requirement actually includes reciting the Kiddush on wine, while drinking the wine is a Rabbinic requirement. The Gemara[3] then introduces the concept of חמר מדינה, a beverage that is common in a particular location. While clear that that this sort of beverage can be used for Havdalah, the Rishonim debate if it is acceptable for Kiddush. The Rosh[4] assumes that חמר מדינה can be used for Kiddush, while the Rambam[5] only allows חמר מדינה for Havdalah but not Kiddush[6]. The Shulchan Aruch[7] cites both the lenient view of the Rosh as well as the Rambam’s stringent view, and the Rema comments that the custom is to allow Kiddush on חמר מדינה in accordance with the Rosh’s opinion.

While other beverages may fundamentally be acceptable, the Rashbam[8] is clear that this holds true only when there is no wine available. The Rosh[9] cites an even more stringent view that so long as there is wine available within a day’s travel, חמר מדינה is not to be used[10]. Yet the Rambam[11] implies that חמר מדינה is a beverage that most people drink, irrespective of whether there is wine available. The Shulchan Aruch[12] writes במקום שאין יין מצוי which appears to follow the view of the Rashbam[13], and moreover, the Rema refers specifically to an instance where there is no wine in the city. As such there should be no reason to allow for Kiddush on whiskey when wine is available. Nevertheless, the Mishnah Berurah[14] quotes from the Taz that because wine is very expensive it is customary to recite Kiddush Shabbos morning on other beverages and most certainly if one desires whiskey then it may be used for Kiddush even when there is wine available. While the custom of using whiskey is widespread, the Aruch Hashulchan[15] suggests that the custom developed due to the fact that in many areas of Europe there was no wine available; additionally, there were possible Kashrus issues. While the custom became to use whiskey, he writes that, if possible, one should use wine. Nevertheless, many other Poskim[16] argue that when wine is available one may not recite Kiddush on whiskey.

The Mishnah Berurah[17] concludes that even if one does use whiskey for Kiddush Shabbos morning, they need to use a cup that contains a revi’is—2.5-3[18] ounces—and drink most of the revi’is—1.5 ounces. This would disallow using a shot glass that is only 1 ounce. However, the Maharsham[19] records the custom of many tzaddikim who used a small cup of whiskey for Kiddush. He explains that because one doesn’t usually consume large amounts of whiskey, a smaller amount would suffice for Kiddush. Precedence for this is found in the Taz,[20] who writes that while normally one must drink a revi’is in order to recite a bracha achronah, whiskey is different because a smaller amount is significant, and as such a smaller amount generates a bracha achrona.

In order to deal with this issue, a regular-size Kiddush cup (that is at least 2.5/3 ounces) can be used and the contents should then be shared by a few people who heard Kiddush, and together the revi’is is consumed.[21] If one uses a regular-size Kiddush cup that holds 5-6 ounces, he need not fill it up to the top. While the Shulchan Aruch[22] does write that it is best that the Kiddush cup be filled to the top, the Mishnah Berurah[23] writes that if this is not possible, one can recite Kiddush on a cup that is half-full. While it would be best to make Kiddush on wine, the reality is that many have the practice to use whiskey, especially at the shul Kiddush. In that setting, one should listen as the rabbi recites Kiddush on wine and have in mind to be yotzei with that Kiddush. Then one can subsequently say שהכל נהיה בדברו on whiskey, even on a small shot glass.

[1] Pesachim 106a.

[2] D.h. Zochreihu.

[3] Pesachim 107a.

[4] Arvei Pesachim 17.

[5] Shabbos 29:17.

[6] See Magid Mishnah, Maharam Chalavah d.h Aisinah.

[7] O”C 272:9.

[8] Pesachim 107a d.h. Chamar.

[9] Arvei Pesachim 17.

[10] See Bach 182:1, who understands the Rosh otherwise.

[11] Shabbos 29:10.

[12] 272:9.

[13] See, however, Elyah Rabbah 272:13, who believes that the Shulchan Aruch actually follows the Rambam’s view.

[14] 272:29, 30.

[15] 272:14.

[16] Mor Uktizah, Kaf Hachaim; see Am Mordechai Shabbos pg. 276.

[17] 30.

[18] There are many opinions as to the size of a reviis, ranging all the way up to five ounces in the

view of the Chazon Ish.

[19] 1:175.

[20] 210:1; see Magen Avraham 190:4, who disagrees with this assumption. See also B’Ikvei Hatzon 6:4.

[21] See Shulchan Aruch 271:14.

[22] 271:10.

[23] 271:4.