The Rabbis have explained the sentence:"Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy" as follow: Remember it with wine. We mark the beginning and end of Shabbat with wine, the beginning with Kiddush, the end with Havdala.

The blessings of Kiddush contain two central elements: reminder of the creation, and reminder of the Exodus from Egypt. Kiddush is recited over a glass of wine or grape juice.

Members of the household fulfill their obligation with regards to Kiddush by hearing the head of the household recite Kiddush and answering Amen.