Rambam In-Depth: Can You Use Plastic Cups for Kiddush?

Rabbi Heschel Greenberg has launched a new series of classes on the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah in response to the Rebbe’s call to learn at least one halacha in depth.

The Rebbe initiated a major effort to unite all Jews with the study of the entire encyclopedic work, Mishneh Torah, by learning three chapters a day and completing the entire work in less than a year. Alternatively, one can learn one chapter and complete the entire Mishneh Torah in close to three years. The Rebbe also gave a third option to study Maimonides’ companion work, Sefer Hamitzvos that parallel the Mishneh Torah.

In addition, the Rebbe requested that we learn one halacha in depth.

We recently began the 42nd cycle of Mishneh Torah which inspired Rabbi Greenberg to record brief classes on selected passages of the Mishneh Torah.

Rabbi Heschel Greenberg is a shliach of the Rebbe in Buffalo NY and the Director of the Jewish Discovery Center, and, for the past 50 years, has taught thousands of classes on all aspects of Jewish knowledge.

Rabbi Greenberg has also authored dozens of works on diverse subjects including several volumes of commentary on the Mishneh Torah.

Many of Rabbi Greenberg’s classes can be accessed on his website rabbigreenberg.com.

Every Week in Shul, You Face This Question – Now Get The Definitive Answer* Have you ever stood at the Kiddush table wondering whether it’s okay to use those plastic disposable cups for making Kiddush? You’re not alone. This seemingly simple question sparked major halachic debates and reveals profound insights into how Jewish law views objects, intention, and ritual purity. In this fascinating deep dive, we explore how the Rambam’s discussion of an animal horn leads us through an intricate legal analysis that ultimately validates your Friday night convenience while teaching us revolutionary concepts about how human intention shapes reality itself. This isn’t just about plastic cups – it’s about understanding the brilliant methodology the Rambam uses to resolve apparent contradictions and extract practical guidance from ancient legal principles.