"Kiddush to Follow" - The Kiddush as Creator and Reflector of the "Synagogue Community"

Abstract

This paper examines the communal Kiddush ritual in modern synagogues, which became widespread in the second half of the 20th century. It traces the Kiddush's evolution from a halakhic-religious ceremony to a central social event, reflecting the tension between the synagogue's religious purpose and social role. The study analyzes factors contributing to this development, including secularization, migration, and changing perceptions of the synagogue in modern society. It explores how the Kiddush mirrors broader processes in modern Jewish society, such as shifts in consumption patterns, gender relations, and community concepts. The research reveals the Kiddush's role in expressing and shaping synagogue community identity, serving as a lens through which to observe community values, customs, and social dynamics. Ultimately, the paper argues that the communal Kiddush acts as a bridge between tradition and innovation, demonstrating the synagogue's adaptability to the changing needs of contemporary Jewish communities.