Knowra Havdalah Havdalah Havdalah is a Jewish ceremony marking the end of Shabbat or a festival. Its blessings distinguish sacred time from ordinary time, traditionally over wine, spices, and a braided candle.
Havdalah blessings : The blessings recited during Havdalah over wine, spices, fire, and the distinction between sacred and ordinary time. These words structure the ceremony and name the transition it marks.
Shabbat : The Jewish day of rest, observed from sunset on Friday until nightfall on Saturday. Havdalah most commonly marks Shabbat’s weekly conclusion.
Talmud : The central rabbinic compilation of Jewish law, interpretation, and discussion, formed from the Mishnah and Gemara. Talmudic discussions establish the obligation and core forms of Havdalah.
Havdalah after Yom Kippur : The Havdalah ceremony performed at the conclusion of Yom Kippur, with practices distinct from ordinary Shabbat Havdalah. The fast’s ending changes the customary use of spices and fire.
Kiddush : A Jewish blessing that sanctifies Shabbat or a festival, commonly recited over wine at its beginning. Kiddush sanctifies the entry into sacred time; Havdalah marks its departure.
Jewish festivals : The annual holy days in the Jewish calendar, including pilgrimage festivals and solemn observances. Havdalah also marks the end of festivals, with details varying by occasion.
Mishnah : The early compilation of Jewish oral law, redacted around the beginning of the third century CE. Its treatment of blessings and sacred time provides early legal foundations for the ceremony.
Havdalah after a festival : The ceremony marking a Jewish festival’s end and the return to ordinary time. Festival Havdalah can differ from the weekly ceremony, particularly when it coincides with Shabbat.
Havdalah candle : A braided candle with multiple wicks used in the Havdalah ceremony. Its flame supplies the fire over which a Havdalah blessing is recited.
Mitzvah : A commandment or religious duty in Judaism. Havdalah is a commanded form of verbal sanctification at sacred time’s boundary.
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