HAVDALAH (Separation)
 

This service is used at the end of Shabbat or anytime during the week when Shabbat is to be remembered or set apart. Havdala means separation, separating the Shabbat from the rest of the week. The Havdala ceremony is said to have started by the men of the Great Assembly 2,5OO years ago, it is conducted at or near the end of Shabbat. 

Leader: Hinneh, Elohim is my Deliverer; I trust in Him, I am not afraid. For YHWH is my Strength and my Stronghold, the Source of my deliverance. With joy shall we draw water from the wells of yahshuati. YHWH brings deliverance. His blessing to the people. YHWH, Commander of Armies, is with us; the Elohim of Ya'aqov is our stronghold. O Sovereign of the entire universe, happy is the one who trusts in You! Save us, O Sovereign; answer us, O King, when we call upon You. Give us light and joy, gladness and honor, as in the happiest days of Israel's predicted future. Then we will lift up the cup to rejoice in Your saving power, and call out Your name in praise. (Fill a cup with wine - even to overflowing.)

Blessing for wine

All: Blessed are You, O Yahweh Eloheinu, Ruler of the universe. Creator of the fruit of the vine. I lift this cup of salvation and proclaim in the name of our Sovereign. Hinneh! YHWH is my salvation; I will trust in his name and will know no fear. YHWH is my strength and my song; and he has become my deliverer. (Don't drink the wine yet, but bring out several spices.)

Blessing for spices

All: Blessed are You, O Yahweh Eloheinu, Ruler of the universe. Creator of all the spices. We sample these spices you have given us for our enjoyment and lift up your qadosh name. You have put your qadosh ones in charge of mixing spices (1 Chron 9:30) that even we who are humble and meek can savor. (The spices are passed around to savor, then at least two candles or a menorah is lit.)

Blessing for light

All: Blessed are You, O Yahweh Eloheinu, Ruler of the universe. Creator of the light of fire: the first provides us sight and the second provides us warmth. Hinneh! YHWH is my salvation; I will trust in YHWH and will know no fear. YHWH is my strength and my song; YHWH is the source of my deliverance. (Everyone present holds their hands towards the flame so they can see the light reflected in their fingernails. This is to represent the difference between light and dark, and the acceptance of the light.)

The Havdalah blessing

All: Blessed are You, O Yahweh Eloheinu, Ruler of the universe, who separates the consecrated from profane, light from darkness, and the seventh day of rest from the six days of labor. Praised are You, Sovereign, who the blessed from the mundane. Amein (The wine is drunk and the candles put out with a little wine on the plate.)