Silver-plated cup which was used by the Lubavitcher Rebbe R. Menachem Mendel Schneerson for Birkat HaMazon (grace after meals) and for Havdala after holidays. The rebbe used this cup to distribute wine from the "cup of blessing" to his chassidim and followers.
At the close of the Rosh Hashanah, Simchat Torah, Passover and Shavuot holidays, the Rebbe would recite the Havdala prayer over the cup of wine that had been used for Birkat HaMazon (grace after meals) following the holiday meal. After drinking most of the wine, the Rebbe would stand for hours pouring wine from his cup into small glasses held by his chassidim as they filed before him. The Rebbe would bless each participant, young and old, with "Life and blessings", while his glowing countenance enhanced the words. The Rebbe would stand on his feet for hours on end distributing wine and blessings, often until close to dawn (this custom remained unchanged until the Rebbe was almost 90 years old). The Rebbe would pause upon occasion to wave on and encourage the singing crowd, while his face glowed with joy. This ceremony was known as the "cup of blessing". Many miraculous tales have been told about personal salvations that came about through the Rebbe’s blessings during the "cup of blessing" ceremony.
Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, "The Lubavitcher Rebbe" (1902-1994), was the seventh Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe. He was the son of R. Levi Yitzchak, rabbi of Ekatrinoslav (today Dnipro, Ukraine), and a sixth-generation direct descendant of the Tzemach Tzedek. His genius and outstanding leadership qualities were evident from a young age. He married the daughter of the Rebbe Rayatz and following their immigration to the US, he assisted his father-in-law in managing matters pertaining to the Chassidut. Among other activities, he managed the central Chabad institutes and was chief editor of Kehot publishing. After the passing of his father-in-law in 1950, Rebbe Menachem Mendel was appointed Rebbe and head of the world Lubavitch Chassidut. He established the "sheluchim" (emissaries) project which has spread to all corners of the world. He was renowned for his genuine love and concern for each and every Jew, regardless of his personal status. He became known as a miracle worker, and his prayers and far-reaching advice assisted thousands. His vast knowledge in all spheres of Torah, halacha and Kabbalah were world-renowned. He authored dozens of books dealing with all spheres of Torah, and was accepted as one of the world leaders of Jewry in his time.
Height: 8 cm. Circumference: 7 cm. Circumference at base: 4 cm. Good condition.
Enclosed is a certificate by one of the Rebbe's close attendants, ascertaining that this cup was indeed used by the Rebbe for a long period of time.