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Havdalah: How to End Shabbos With Wine, Spices, and Fire

Havdalah is one of the most beautiful rituals in Judaism — a 90-second ceremony that closes Shabbos and bridges you back to the week.

Shabbos250··4 min read

After nightfall on Saturday — when three medium-sized stars are visible in the sky. Your local time is on the homepage.

When to do it

After nightfall on Saturday — when three medium-sized stars are visible in the sky. Your local time is on the homepage.

What you need

A cup of wine or grape juice (filled until it overflows slightly into the saucer), fragrant spices (cloves and cinnamon work), and a Havdalah candle — a tall, multi-wicked braided candle that produces a torch-like flame.

How it goes

You hold the cup and recite Havdalah. You smell the spices. You hold your hands toward the flame and look at the light reflected on your fingernails. You drink the wine. You extinguish the flame in the wine. You wish each other shavua tov — a good week.

Make it real

Build your Shabbos packet.

A printable guide with your local times, blessings, and step-by-step timeline.

Build My Packet

Why

For 25 hours, the world has been different. Havdalah marks that the difference is ending — and asks us to carry a little of Shabbos into the week ahead.

Your turn

Try one Shabbos. We’ll guide you through it.

Find your local times, follow a step-by-step packet, and keep one full Shabbos — even if it’s your first.

WRITTEN BY
The Shabbos 250 Editors
Practical guides, stories, and reflections about Shabbos and Jewish life in America.
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