In this ceremony the couple takes turns sharing wine from a single Unity or Kiddush Cup. Your officiant should work with you to choose an appropriate reading to accompany your ceremony.

Share Wine, Celebrate Unity

Sharing wine from a Unity or Kiddush Cup during your ceremony symbolizes unity, companionship and the sharing of one life. In the Jewish tradition the couple drinks from a Kiddush cup, while the unity cup is an appropriate celebration for couples of any denomination or belief.

The cup can be as simple as a piece of inexpensive stemware, or as elaborate as a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind goblet. Many couples choose a cup with the idea that it will become a display piece in their home, or an heirloom to pass to the next generation.

Here are some ceremony ideas that you and your officiant can modify to fit you own situation.

"Blessed are you Lord, God of all creation, in your goodness you have given us wine to gladden our hearts and lift our spirits. Many grapes have become one wine, so may [name] and [name] lives be blended into one loving union. And as they share from this one cup, gladden [name] and [name] hearts, and make them one with each other and with Your abiding love."

"This cup of wine, the Kiddush cup [or unity cup], is symbolic of the cup of life. As you drink from the cup, may you share all the sweetness the future brings. May you find life's joys gladdened with true companionship and love. We praise You, Eternal one, Creator of the fruit of the vine."