Havdalah (הבדלה), meaning “separation,” is the ritual that marks the close of Shabbat and other Jewish holy days. It’s a beautiful way to transition from the sacred time of rest and reflection back into the rhythm of the week. As our days begin at sunset and end at the next sunset, Havdalah is recited once Shabbat ends, guiding us gently from the holiness of the day back into everyday life.
This ceremony uses a cup of wine, spices, and a braided candle to engage all our senses—taste, smell, and sight—reminding us that Shabbat leaves a lingering sweetness in our lives.
The Blessings of Havdalah
1. Blessing over the Wine
Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, borei p’ri hagafen
English:
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
2. Blessing over the Spices
Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי בְשָׂמִים
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, borei minei v’samim
English:
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who creates various kinds of spices.
(The spices symbolize the sweetness and fragrance of Shabbat lingering with us.)
3. Blessing over the Candle
Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא מְאוֹרֵי הָאֵשׁ
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, borei me’orei ha’esh
English:
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who creates the lights of fire.
(The flame reminds us of the difference between the holiness of Shabbat and the ordinary weekdays.)
4. The Havdalah Blessing (Separation)
Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, הַמַבְדִּיל בֵּין קֹדֶשׁ לְחוֹל, בֵּין אוֹר לְחֹשֶךְ, בֵּין יִשְׂרָאֵל לָעַמִּים, בֵּין יוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי לְשֵׁשֶׁת יְמֵי הַמַּעֲשֶׂה.
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai, hamavdil bein kodesh l’chol, bein or l’choshech, bein Yisrael la’amim, bein yom haSh’vi’i l’sheshet y’mei hama’aseh.
English:
Blessed are You, L-rd, who separates between the sacred and the ordinary, between light and darkness, between Israel and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of work.
Tips for a Meaningful Havdalah
- Cup of Wine: Raise your cup and take a small sip, savoring the sweetness.
- Spices: Pass them under your nose and breathe in deeply, symbolizing the lingering joy of Shabbat.
- Candle: Look at the flame and trace the light with your eyes—it reminds us that light continues even as the week begins.
- Togetherness: Havdalah is often done with family or friends; let the ritual connect you to others as well as to G-d.
Why It Matters
Havdalah is not just a set of words—it’s a transition. It honors the holiness of Shabbat while helping us carry its peace, sweetness, and light into our ordinary week. It’s a reminder that the sacred doesn’t vanish; it lingers with us, if we choose to see and feel it.
Sources and Further Reading
The Chai Life 
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