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The Havdalah service marks the end of Shabbat. It should be performed
no earlier than nightfall on Saturday night. Nightfall is the time when three
stars can be seen in the sky. It is normally about 45 minutes to an hour
after sundown, depending on your latitude. For the precise time when Shabbat
ends in your area, consult the list of candle lighting times provided by
the Orthodox Union.
You will need three things for this ritual: a glass of wine or other
liquid, some fragrant spices, and a special Havdalah candle.
| Wine |
| The first of the four havdalah blessings is made over wine or another
liquid. If wine or grape juice is not used, you should substitute shehakol
nih'yeh bid'varo (by whose will all things come to be) for borei p'ri hagafen
(who creates the fruit of the vine). |
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe |
(if using wine or grape juice)
borei p'ri hagafen (Amein)
Who creates the fruit of the vine (Amen) |
(if using other liquids)
shehakol nih'yeh bid'varo (Amein)
Who made all things exist through His word (Amen) |
| Spices |
| The second blessing is recited over fragrant spices. The spices represent
a compensation for the loss of the special sabbath spirit. The spices commonly
used are cloves, cinnamon or bay leaves. They are commonly kept in a special
decorated holder called a b'samim box. |
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam, borei minei v'samim
(Amein)
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe, Who creates varieties
of spices (Amen) |
| Fire |
| The third blessing is recited over the special, multi-wicked Havdalah
candle. Havdalah candles can be obtained from Jewish gift stores. If you
cannot obtain a Havdalah candle, you can hold two candles close together,
so their flames overlap. I have also used party candles (long, very thin
candles) that I warmed up and twisted together.
Lighting a flame is a vivid way of marking the distinction between the sabbath
and the weekday, because we cannot kindle a flame on the sabbath.
After the blessing is recited, hold your hands up to the flame with curved
fingers, so you can see the shadow of your fingers on your palms. This is
done because it would be improper to recite a blessing for something and
then not use the thing. |
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe |
borei m'orei ha'eish (Amein)
Who creates the light of the fire (Amen) |
| Havdalah |
| The final blessing is the havdalah blessing itself, the blessing over
the separation of different things. The blessing is recited over the wine.
After the blessing is complete, drink the wine. A few drops of wine are used
to extinguish the flame from the candle. |
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe |
hamav'dil bein kodesh l'chol
Who separates between sacred and secular |
bein or l'choshekh bein Yis'ra'eil la'amim
between light and darkness, between Israel and the nations |
bein yom hash'vi'i l'sheishet y'mei hama'aseh
between the seventh day and the six days of labor |
Barukh atah Adonai, hamav'dil bein kodesh l'chol (Amein).
Blessed are You, Lord, who separates between sacred and secular. (Amen) |
© Copyright 5758-5767 (1999-2007),
Tracey R Rich
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