Reciting Kiddush before the meal on the eve of Shabbat and Jewish holidays is thus regarded as a commandment from the Torah. Reciting Kiddush before the morning meal on Shabbat and holidays, however, is a requirement of rabbinic origin. To honor the mitzvah of reciting Kiddush, a silver goblet is often used, although any cup can suffice. The cup must hold a revi'it of liquid (about 76.5 milliters, although some try to use double this amount). After the person reciting the Kiddush drinks from the wine, the rest of it is passed around the table or poured out into small cups for the other participants. Alternatively, wine is poured for each of the participants before Kiddush.

Before reciting Kiddush, the challah, which will be the next food item eaten in honor of the Shabbat or holiday, is covered with a cloth. According to Halakha, the blessing over bread takes precedence to the blessing over wine. However, in the interests of beginning the meal with Kiddush, the challah is covered to "remove" it from the table (some do not have the challah on the table at all during Kiddush). Some interpret the covering of the challah allegorically, explaining that just as we go out of our way to protect an inanimate object (the bread) from being "insulted" (by the blessing over wine taking precedence). The text of the Friday night Kiddush begins with a passage from Genesis 2:1-3, as a testimony to G-d's creation of the world and cessation of work on the seventh day.

Some people stand during the recital of these Biblical verses (even if they sit for Kiddush), since according to Jewish law testimony must be given standing. There are different customs regarding sitting or standing while reciting Kiddush depending on communal and family tradition.

English translation of Friday night Hebrew Kiddush text: [And it was evening and it was morning], the sixth day. And the heavens and the earth and all their hosts were completed. And G-d finished by the seventh day His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. And G-d blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, for on it He rested from all His work which G-d created to function. Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine. (Amen) Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, has desired us, and has given us, in love and good will, His holy Shabbat as a heritage, in remembrance of the work of Creation; the first of the holy festivals, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. For You have chosen us and sanctified us from among all the nations, and with love and good will given us Your holy Shabbat as a heritage. Blessed are You, Lord, who sanctifies the Shabbat. (Amen)

By extension, the term "Kiddush" may also refer to a reception of wine, cake, soft drinks, and buffet items following Shabbat morning services at the synagogue or home. Often a Kiddush is hosted by a family celebrating the birth of a child, a bat or bar mitzvah, a wedding, an engagement, a birthday, or other happy occasion. Some people also host a Kiddush on the yahrtzeit of a parent or other relative. In some synagogues the celebrant is honored with reciting the Shabbat morning Kiddush on behalf of all the attendees.