All You Need to Know about Havdalah Service
Say “Farewell” to Shabbat Havdalah style
The Havdalah service marks the beginning of a new week. In Hebrew Havdalah literally means “to make distinction” – it is a mitzvah to symbolically separate regular days from the holy days – Shabbat and the holidays. The Havdalah service marks the end of a holy day and is performed weekly at the end of Shabbat, as the night falls.
Havdalah service – Celebration of the senses
The ceremony begins with a member of the family reciting blessings and pouring wine into a small dish until it’s about to overflow the cup. After the blessing of the wine, a special candle designated for this service only is lit. The lighting of the candle symbolizes the light of Shabbat that is being “turned off”. The candle is distinguished into the remains of the wine.
Sweet spices or anything with a sweet aroma is used during the services to remind us of the sweetness of the Shabbat.
Sunday is a day off for non-Jewish people, but for Jews Sunday is the first day of the week. When Shabbat is over, you wish a Jewish person to have a good week, or “shavua tov”!
Looking for an easy guide on how to perform Havdalah? Watch this footage!
Today you can find beautiful sets online for the Havdalah service.
