I caught only glimpses of the closing ceremony for the XXX Summer Olympics in London but, I could tell everything about it was spectacular. Planners went all out to make sure London 2012 would be remembered: as an unforgettable chapter in Olympic history.
hat struck home was how it marked both an end – the successful conclusion of the 2012 games in London – and a beginning – the kickoff for the 2016 games in Brazil.
In the Jewish faith, we experience something similar every week as we celebrate the end of Shabbat. Our ritual of Havdalah which means “separation” marks the close of our holiest hours - from Friday evening to Saturday nightfall and the beginning of the ordinary part of the week. The many blessings we recite - create a bridge between the peaceful, relaxed hours of Shabbat and the hectic pace of the rest of the week.
The Havdalah service begins about 45 minutes after sundown on Saturday - the time three stars appear in the sky.
The service requires three items: a Kiddush cup of wine or other liquid, some fragrant spices, and a braided Havdalah candle. In a fairly dark room, we form a circle and have different people hold the three items. As for the blessings, most families have their customs. They can be recited or sung by one person or everyone in the room, in Hebrew or English.
My favorite is the first one, Shavua Tov (which means a “good week”): A good week, a week of peace; may gladness reign and joy increase.
As the rest of the blessings are said, the three items are presented in succession. First, the Kiddush cup is raised but, no one drinks from it yet. Then the spice box is passed around and everyone takes a minute to sniff the contents so they can take that sweetness into the rest of their week. After that, the candle is held up, and everyone puts their hands up to the light as a reminder of the distinction between light and darkness.
When the blessings are finished, everyone takes a sip from the Kiddush cup, and the rest is poured into a bowl in which the candle is extinguished. And so, our new week begins.
Many Jewish families use special pieces set aside for their weekly “closing ceremony.” At Traditions Jewish Gifts, we have an outstanding selection of Havdalah items, such as spice boxes, Kiddush cups, and braided candles in our online catalog. Many of the artists we feature have produced such sets with unique, exquisite designs to fit every style and décor.
Take a look and let your imagination help you choose the items that will make someone’s weekly closing ceremony a memorable and blessed event.