HAVDALAH
HAVDALAH
HAVDALAH
Havdalah marks the end of Shabbat. It is, therefore, a ceremony which is both melancholy and yet optimistic. Saddened by the passing of Shabbat, we look forward to the time when each day can be as special and holy as Shabbat. Clinging to Shabbat, we anticipate the work week with its creativity and satisfaction. Havdalah recognizes the separation of the peace of Shabbat and rush of the normal week, and as we sing Eliyahu Hanavi, we express a hope that Elijah will soon return with his message of a world of peace.
Havdalah is recited with a special candle that has at least two wicks, a cup of wine and fragrant spices. Each of these represent an aspect of Shabbat and our hopes for the future.
The twisted candle represents light, the first element created by God at the beginning of the first week. It also represents the creation of fire. A midrash teaches that, at the end of the first Shabbat, Adam was struck by fear with the coming of darkness. To abate this fear, God gave him knowledge and the tools to create fire, thus his fear was abated. Therefore, we recite the blessing over fire, because it was at the end of Shabbat that it was created. We hold our hands to the light in order to use it -- seeing the reflection of the flame on our fingernails, or the shadow on our palms. The candle also can remind us of the light of the righteous that will shine on the world when our labors bring the messianic age.
The wine represents the sweetness and peace of Shabbat. We taste the wine at the very end of Shabbat to remind us of its beauty and we hope that we can take some of its peace into the remainder of the week. It is customary in some communities to dip fingers in the wine and then to put them in one’s pockets, perhaps as a representation of this hope.
The spices represent that special "spice" of Shabbat — the feelings of peace and hope — that comes with Shabbat. The Rabbis taught that we receive a second soul (neshamah yiterah) on Shabbat and that this soul leaves us at Shabbat’s conclusion. The spices revive us as the soul departs and they remind us of our task to bring that spice to the rest of the week.
Havdalah may be recited as soon as darkness falls, that is when at least three stars can be seen in the sky; if the sky is overcast, about 50 minutes after the time for candle lighting. It can also be recited later in the evening. Begin your Havdalah by going out and looking at the stars. See if you can identify some of the constellations. The immensity of the universe can help to engender a feeling of awe and wonder of God’s creation, feelings appropriate to Havdalah. Then, begin the Havdalah service in a darkened room (or outside).
Havdalah is an ideal service to be held in the home for friends and family. It can be a time for creative liturgy when friends and members of the family share their feelings about Shabbat, the world and their hopes for the coming week.
