Obj. ID: 35813  Kiddush cup Kos yeshuot, Jerusalem, circa 1955

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

The sanctification of the Shabbat and Holidays is connected with a blessing recited over wine or grape juice. While the wine can be drunk from any vessel, often special cups are created for the purpose. In most cases, regular cups are simply decorated or inscribed with names or blessings, rendering them exclusively for the Kiddush.

There exists very little Judaica in the Art Deco style. Much of what is known is of German origin or by the German artists and designers who left Germany for Eretz Israel in the 30's. This cup is by someone in that tradition, the work of whom is known is several examples apparently from the 1950's. The clean, elegant style and the hand-cut lettering are characteristics that soon disappeared as the State of Israel grew and developed. The cup is for use in the Havdalah service between the end of Shabbat and the beginning of the week. There is a Chanukah lamp by this same artist in the Gross Family Collection.

Inscription: Kos Yeshuot Esa u-ve-Shem Adonai Ekra