Ceremony
To Celebrate New Week - Havdalah
by
Rachel Braver
'Havdalah,' which is Hebrew for "separation, " is a ceremony
where a blessing is said with wine, candles and spices to mark the end of
Shabbat The "separation "shows the distinction between Shabbat
and the other days of the week. This traditional ceremony goes as far back
as the fourth and fifth century B. C. E. All members of the family
participate in this ritual.
The
Ceremony
The Havdalah ceremony takes place in the evening after Shabbat ends on
Saturday when three stars appear in the sky. It can be held either indoors
or outdoors depending on personal preferences and the weather.
Participants stand in a circle close together. Three ritual items are
necessary for this traditional ceremony: the cup of wine, a braided
candle, and a spice box. Each one symbolizes a significant part of Judaica.
Spice Box, Braided Candle, Cup of Wine
Cup
of Wine
At the start of the Havdalah ceremony, a new week is welcomed as a
blessing is recited over a full cup of wine. This cup of wine symbolizes
joy, peace and happiness. Some people fill the cup to overflow as a sign
of good omen and an expression of hope for the week to come. The sweet
taste of the wine represents the feelings of being united together as
Jews at the close of Shabbat.
The prayer is the same as the Shabbat kiddush except that it also has to
do with separation of the Sabbath from the work week. The wine is not
tasted until the
Havdalah ceremony has ended.
Barukh
Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melekh Ha Olam Bo-re P'ri Hagafen
Blessed
art Thou O Lord Our G-d, Ruler of the Universe, who has created the fruit
of the vine.
Braided
Candle
The ceremony continues with the lighting of
the special braided candle. As the blessing refers to G-d being the
creator of the lights of fire, the candle has more than one wick. Two
separate candies was used in the past but nowadays a single braided candle
with a double wick is most commonly used. One interpretation of using the
special braided candle is the interweaving of Jewish people and humanity.
The light of the Havdalah candle reflects hope for a positive impact on
the world within the coming week.
Barukh
ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha-olam bo-re m'orei ha-esh
Blessed
art Thou, O Lord Our G-d, Ruler of the Universe, who has created the
lights of fire.
As the blessing is recited, hands are extended towards the candle with
palms facing inwards. One is to observe the light of the candle through
the reflection of their fingernails. The reason for this is because
Jewish tradition discourages saying blessings over things that we do not
use. By doing such, one shows that he is making use of the light and
receiving pleasure from it. The shadows show the distinction between light
and darkness, indicating that the Sabbath day has come to an end.
Spices
The blend of spices is unique to Havdalah.
According to Rabbinic legend every Jew receives an additional soul with
the peace of Shabbat. When this extra soul departs, the soul remaining
goes through a sort of depression state. The enjoyable scent of the
spice box as it is shaken and passed around the Havdalah circle, revives
the soul and is an attempt to cheer it up for the week to come. The spices
raise up the spirits and gives people the energy boost to face everyday
life problems ahead.
Banrukh
ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam bo-re minei v'samim.
Blessed
art Thou, O Lord Our G-d, Ruler of the Universe who has created diverse
spices.
End
of Ceremony
Upon the closing of the Havdalah ceremony, a
bless is recited affirming distinctions in all part of our lives.
Barukh
ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, hamavdil bein kodesh I'hol, bein or
l'hoshekh, bein Yisrael la-amin, bein yom hash'vi-i I'sheshet y'mei
hama'aseh. Barukh ata Adonai, hamavdil bein kodesh l'hol.
Blessed
art Thou, O Lord Our G-d, Ruler of the Universe who distinguishes between
sacred and secular, light and darkness, Israel and other peoples, the
seventh day the six days of labor. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, i
distinguishes between sacred and secular.
The cup of wine is then passed around the circle. (Custom says that if a
woman drinks from the wine, she grow a mustache). After the blessings have
been recited the wine can be tasted. As the following passage said, the
candle gets extinguished with the remaining wine.
Hamavdil
bein kodesh I'hoi, hatoteinu hu yimhol, zarenu v'khaspenu yarbeh khahol,
v;khakokhavim balaila.
May
the One who separates the sacred and profane forgive our sins and make us
as secure and as numerous as grains of sand and the stars at night.
Good
Wishes to All
After the Havdalah candle is extinguished,
the folly verse is said to one another: SHAVUA TOV! (GOOD WEEK!)
Participants meet and greet each other blessings for a good week, a week
of peace.
Family
Time
Following Havdalah, families can use this
time to reconnect with one another and share stories and expectations for
the coming week. It can be used for play, study, or for relaxation. Havdalah
is a special time and should be shared with special people.