Making Havdalah

Shabbat is a day like no other. The holiness of the day, the beauty of its rituals, the refreshing and renewing experience of its rest, the re-connection with G-d, family and community and so much more make Shabbat the most significant day in the week and indeed of our lives. Therefore when Shabbat comes to an end we cannot simply walk away without a final moment of awe and reflection. The ritual with which we mark that moment is called Havdalah.

Havdalah is a simple but very powerful mitzvah which helps to prepare us to return to out everyday lives. At the same time it reminds us of the special significance of Shabbat. Through the performance of the mitzvah of Havdalah, we enable ourselves to carry some of the sanctity of Shabbat into our more mundane lives.

Havdallah is performed on Saturday evening after sunset. There are many sites where you can find the exact time to perform Havdalah in your area. (See the link below to find the time for Havdalah.) You can also check with your local rabbi.

Performing Havdalah

You will need a multi-wick candle, a container filled with fragrant spices, and a cup of wine or grape juice. Most families have a small cup of wine/grape juice for everyone present. There are many beautiful Havdalah sets available at your local Judaica store and on line. In many homes it is traditional to have family members each hold one of the various ritual objects. See links below to find the full text of the blessings.

1. Fill the cup of wine and light the candle.
2. Recite the opening blessing which begin: "Behold G-d is my deliverance..." 
3. Recite the blessing over the wine, but do not drink it yet.
4. Recite the blessing over the spices. Smell the fragrance and share the spices with all present.
5. Recite the blessing over the fire.
6. Recite the concluding blessing: "...Who makes distinction..." (hamavdil)
7. Drink most of the wine. Use the remaining portion to extinguish the flame.

Everyone then wishes each other Shavuah Tov (A good week). Many families sing the familiar melody Eliyahu HaNavi which asks Hashem to send Elijah the Prophet who will herald the coming of the Messiah and the beginning of our ultimate redemption.

As with all other ceremonies which are new to you, Havdalah will become easier with practice. Start this week. You will surely find that Havdalah will add beauty to your observance of Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom and Shavuah Tov!

Related links:

What is Havdalah?

Basic Text for Havdalah including Link for Finding Local Times

"Taking Leave of Shabbat" A Guide to Havdalah

Havdalah Blessings in Hebrew (with Transliteration)