How to Make Havdalah: Complete Guide to Ending Shabbat

Havdalah (literally 'separation') is the ceremony that marks the end of Shabbat and separates the holy day from the ordinary weekdays. It is performed on Saturday night after three stars appear in the sky (approximately 40-72 minutes after sunset, depending on location and custom). Havdalah uses wine, fragrant spices, and a multi-wicked candle to engage our senses as we transition from the spiritual rest of Shabbat to the workweek.

Havdalah is recited after Shabbat ends, which is when three medium-sized stars are visible in the sky. This is typically 40-72 minutes after sunset depending on your location and community custom. If you miss Saturday night, Havdalah can be recited until Tuesday sunset, though without the candle and spices after Saturday night. Havdalah is also recited at the end of Jewish holidays.

Wine or grape juice: A full cup (at least 3-5 oz). Fragrant spices (besamim): Traditionally cloves, but any fragrant spices work. Many use a decorative spice box. Havdalah candle: A braided multi-wicked candle (at least two wicks). The multiple flames represent the multiple types of fire/light. If unavailable, hold two regular candles together so the flames touch.

1. Blessing over wine (Borei Pri HaGafen): The standard blessing over wine. 2. Blessing over spices (Borei Minei Vesamim): 'Who creates various spices.' The spices comfort the soul, which is saddened by the departure of the 'extra soul' we receive on Shabbat. 3. Blessing over fire (Borei Me'orei Ha'Esh): 'Who creates the lights of fire.' We use fire because Adam discovered fire after the first Shabbat. 4. Havdalah blessing (HaMavdil): The blessing praising God who separates between holy and ordinary, light and darkness, Israel and the nations, Shabbat and weekdays.

1. Fill the cup with wine until it overflows slightly (symbolizing abundance). 2. Light the Havdalah candle. 3. Hold the cup in your right hand. 4. Recite or sing the introductory verses (Hinei El Yeshuati). 5. Say the blessing over wine but don't drink yet. 6. Put down the cup, pick up the spices, say the blessing, and smell them. Pass to others. 7. Pick up or look at the candle, say the blessing, and look at your fingernails by the candlelight. 8. Pick up the cup again and recite the Havdalah blessing. 9. Drink most of the wine. 10. Extinguish the candle in the remaining wine.

When saying the blessing over fire, we look at our fingernails by the candlelight to benefit from the light and make the blessing meaningful. We should be close enough to distinguish between fingernail and flesh. Some curl their fingers toward their palm to see fingernails and palm together. This ensures we're actually using the light, not just acknowledging it exists.

Many families sing 'Eliyahu HaNavi' (Elijah the Prophet) after Havdalah, expressing hope for the Messiah's arrival. Some dip a finger in the leftover wine and touch it to their eyes or pockets for blessing. Children often hold the candle. Some sprinkle wine drops to extinguish the candle rather than dipping it. The overflowing cup and extinguished candle create a meaningful multi-sensory conclusion to Shabbat.