Can you make kiddush on grape juice?

Kiddush over wine

The commandment “Remember the Sabbath day” is fulfilled by declaring the holiness of Shabbat in words, and the sages instituted that this be done over a cup of wine (“remember it over wine”). Kiddush is said Friday night and, in a shorter form, Shabbat morning.

Grape juice

The Shulchan Aruch writes that one may squeeze a cluster of grapes and say kiddush over the juice. Since its blessing is the same as wine – borei pri hagafen – grape juice may be used for kiddush, havdalah and the four cups at the seder. It must be kosher, like wine.

Other options

If there is no wine or grape juice, Friday night kiddush can be said over the challah. Shabbat morning kiddush may be said over other drinks (“chamar medinah”), such as whisky or beer, according to many authorities. Ask your rabbi about your community’s practice.

How much to drink

The cup must hold at least a revi’it – about 86 ml according to Rabbi Chaim Na’eh, or about 150 ml according to the stricter measure of the Chazon Ish – and the one who says kiddush drinks most of a revi’it, at least a cheekful. The others at the table may drink a little from the cup or from their own cups.

Diluted and sweetened juice

Juice from concentrate or diluted with water can lose the status of “fruit of the vine”. Kosher grape juice sold for kiddush says so on the label; some brands specify the proportion of grape juice. Wine diluted with grape juice is also fine for those who find wine too strong.