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    The question of how we should conduct ourselves during Friday Night Kiddush is very interestingly not discussed in the Gemora or by the early Halachic Authorities. The Gemora in Brachot does tell us that a whenever one is making a Bracha and excepting others in their obligation everyone should be sitting. The reason for this is to ensure everyone will listen and concentrate on fulfilling their obligation. An additional rationale for sitting is that rabbinicly Kiddush should be recited b’makom sueda, in the time and place of a meal. In order to fulfill this, there are those who reason that Kiddush should be recited while sitting. The custom is however, when sitting a person should stand or at least raise his body during the first four words. The reason for this is that the first letters of these words, which are actually from the sixth day, spell out Hashem’s name.

    According to Kabbalah, Kiddush should be said standing. This was the custom of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria the Arizal. Kiddush is compared to the blessings for a bride. Just as the blessings given to a bride under the chupah have to be said standing, so too Kiddush is to be said standing. Shabbat is like a bride. As we say in Lecha Dodi, “Boei Kallah, Boei Kallah, come bride, come bride.” The Aruch Hashulchan explains that there is no worry of a lack of concentration, because all have gathered to hear Kiddush and will stand still to listen appropriately.

    In order to answer why some sit and stand, we have to first examine some of the parts of Friday Night Kiddush. The first paragraph of “Vaychulu” is testimony to the fact that God created the Heavens and the Earth. The source of this paragraph is the recounting of the Shabbat that followed The Six Days of Creation. By proclaiming that Hashem finished the Heavens and the Earth and then rested, we are testifying to His role as Creator of the Universe. As with all testimony, it should be said standing. Even though “Vaychulu” was said in during Maariv in the synagogue, it is repeated for the rest of the family at home. Parenthetically, specifically because it was said in the synagogue the other opinions obtain that it is not necessary to stand during Kiddush.

    The bracha on the wine is rabbinic as the Rabbis established Kiddush on wine to add a measure of importance and dignity to the Kiddush. As previously mentioned it and the remainder of Kiddush should be said sitting to fulfill Kiddush b’makom sueda.

    The Halachic authorities make it clear that whichever custom a person has it is not an issue of Jewish law, but rather custom. The custom in most communities is follow ones parent’s custom. In the event that there is no family custom, many follow the ruling of the Rema, who says to sit for the entire Kiddush. One of course should consult their Rabbi.