The Havdalah service, a Jewish ritual that bridges the holiness of Shabbat and the everyday rhythm of the week. If you’ve ever wondered what Havdalah is, why it’s important, or how to perform it, you’re in the right place.
What is Havdalah הבדלה?
Havdalah, which means “separation” in Hebrew, is a ceremony that marks the conclusion of Shabbat (Saturday ). It creates a spiritual boundary between the sacred time of rest and the workweek ahead. Havdalah is performed after nightfall on Saturday, when three stars are visible in the sky.
The Havdalah Prayer
The Havdalah ceremony engages the senses through four key rituals:
- Blessing Over Wine (Kos Shel Yayin)
A glass of wine or grape juice is used to symbolize joy and the sanctity of the occasion. A blessing is recited over the wine:
ברוך אתה ה’ אלוהינו מלך העולם בורא פרי הגפן
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p’ri hagafen
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine. - Fragrant Spices (Besamim)
Spices like cloves or cinnamon are passed around in a decorative spice box. Their pleasant aroma is meant to refresh the spirit as Shabbat departs.
ברוך אתה ה’ אלוהינו מלך העולם בורא מיני בשמים
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei minei v’samim
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of various spices. - Havdalah Candle (Ner Havdalah)
A special braided candle with multiple wicks is lit. The candlelight symbolizes the divine presence and reminds us of the first light created at the beginning of time. In Hebrew:
ברוך אתה ה’ אלוהינו מלך העולם בורא מאורי האשTransliteration: Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei me’orei ha’esh Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of the lights of the fire. - Blessing of Separation (Havdalah Blessing)
The central blessing emphasizes the separation between the holy and the mundane:
ברוך אתה ה’ אלוהינו מלך העולם המבדיל בין קודש לחול בין אור לחושך בין ישראל לעמים בין יום השביעי לששת ימי המעשה. ברוך אתה ה’ המבדיל בין קודש לחול
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, ha-mavdil bein kodesh l’chol, bein or l’choshech, bein Yisrael la’amim, bein yom ha-shevi’i l’sheishet y’mei ha-ma’aseh. Baruch Atah Adonai, ha-mavdil bein kodesh l’chol
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who separates between holy and secular, between light and darkness, between Israel and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of labor. Blessed are You, Lord, Who separates between holy and secular. - Extinguishing the Candle
The flame is extinguished in the wine, symbolizing the end of Shabbat and the hope that its light and sanctity will linger into the new week.
Shavoa Tov
The Havdalah service is a timeless tradition that helps us carry the beauty of Shabbat into the week. Whether you’re observing it for the first time or you’ve done it a hundred times, each Havdalah brings a fresh sense of peace and purpose. So light the candle, breathe in the spices, and step into the new week with intention. Shavua tov— שבוע טוב may it be a good week!