Cup of Blessing Wine Ceremony
The Cup of Blessing Ceremony is a touching way to honor the special women who have impacted the Bat or Bat Mitzvah girl or boy.
At the conclusion of the morning service, 13 small cups of wine are set on a table in front of the Synagogue along with a large Kiddush goblet. After the congregation is seated, the Rabbi invites the Bar or Bat Mitzvah boy or girl to come up together with his or her parents. At this point the mother may choose to say a few words in honor of the Bat or Bar Mitzvah.
The ceremony commences as the Rabbi calls upon 13 female family members and/or friends to ascend and pour from one of the small cups into the Kiddush goblet. Each small cup represents a particular blessing for the child’s life which is specified by the person being honored to pour. Before each cup is poured the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child may choose to recite something special about the honoree. As each cup is poured the congregation responds “L’chayim!” All the women to be honored remain standing together on the platform until the conclusion of the ceremony.
After the Goblet is full all of the congregants will be asked to rise. At this point the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child will be blessed with the priestly blessing in honor of his or her special day. Following this, the Bat or Bar Mitzvah girl or boy recites the blessing over the wine in the Kiddush goblet.