Question
Is there a religious significance to the sharing of bread and wine at the Shabbat Meal?
Answer
We make a special set of blessings on wine, called Kiddush, at the Shabbat table as well as a blessing on the bread. Kiddush on wine is performed in order to sanctify the day. The person making the Kiddush shares the cup with everyone in order to give all a taste of the Mitzva.
The bread is eaten in honor of the Shabbat feast, where we celebrate with G-d. We have two loaves to commemorate the Manna that fell from heaven to the Jews while they were wandering in the desert. A blessing is made by the head of the household before eating the bread. Everyone is given a piece of bread as the blessing on the bread was made for them too.
Rabbi Meir Goldberg