Every Saturday night following Shabbat the first thing we should do is say the “Havdalah”
service. It is said with a candle, spices and a cup of wine.
A few things worth noting. Since it is forbidden to eat after nightfall on Saturday night until after
reciting Havdalah, one should recite Havdalah right away.
If one is in the midst of Sholosh Seudot (that is only if bread is included in the meal) one may
continue to eat after nightfall until the Birkat HaMazon. However, if one did not “wash” and eat chalah
for sholosh seudot, one must stop eating and drinking as of sunset.
All types of spices are acceptable for Havdalah, as long as they have a fragrant odor. It could be
a fruit, spices, cloves, an esrog or even a natural perfume. Any of those items may be used and
the identical blessing is said regardless.
It is preferred for a male to say Havdalah, however, if it is not possible, then a woman may do so.
In case of emergency or if forgotten, one may say Havdalah until mid-week (Wednesday).
After that the Mitzvah has been lost and Havdalah may not be said. That is only under
emergency and if one forgot, they must recite it as soon as they remember.
From the start of Havdalah until the conclusion, one should not speak. They should remain silent
until the one making Havdalah tastes the wine/grape juice.
If wine or grape juice are not available, one may use a different beverage for Havdalah.
However, it must be a “significant” beverage. That is, one a person might serve to an honourable
guest. Orange juice, coke, carbonated beverages and the like are all acceptable, but only if wine
or grape juice are not available.
The candle should be of multiple wicks, so as to constitute a torch rather than simply a flame. If
only single wicks are available, one should put two or more together for the blessing
Important Numbers
