Kiddush ha-Shem Value: Kiddush ha-Shem Kiddush You probably know the Kiddush as the blessing we say over wine. The actual Hebrew word kiddush means “holy”. Kiddush is when we use a glass of wine (or grape juice) to recognize the holiness of Shabbat (or other holidays). The wine is something concrete that helps us appreciate Shabbat, which is something we can’t touch or sense. Kiddush really means “set apart,” just as the Shabbat is set apart from the weekdays. Ha-Shem Ha-Shem means “the Name” and refers to God’s name. Judaism makes a big deal out of God’s name. God’s actual name is made up of four letters, hey, vav, hey, yud. No one knows how to pronounce it. We use the word Adonai (Our Master) instead, leaving “the Name” unpronounced. Some Jews say ha-Shem instead of Adonai when they are talking and not praying. Two Kinds of Kiddush ha-Shem Kiddush ha-Shem means “Making the Name Holy.” It has two different meanings. It is kiddush ha-Shem when someone gives up his or her life in a way that gives honor to the Jewish people and God. One who sacrifices his or her life for others or for a cause is called a martyr. Judaism is not big or martyrdom but believes that there are times when it is necessary. The other meaning of kiddush haShem is not dying, but living in a way that gives honor to God and the Jewish people. Both ways give dignity to the Jewish people and reflect well on God, showing that God makes a difference.
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