Get Together For Havdalah!

A family gathered at a table with a lit Havdalah candle

What is Havdalah?

When three stars are visible in the Saturday evening sky, Shabbat is over. Families the world over mark this moment with Havdalah (Hebrew for “separation”), which creates a separation from Shabbat and signals a reentry into the regular week.

Shabbat is a special time of togetherness for many families, so saying goodbye to it can feel bittersweet. Havdalah rituals help soften that moment. The good news? Shabbat will come around again in just six days . . . and Havdalah always follows. Both are an opportunity for families and loved ones to pause and enjoy one another’s company and to give thanks for the many blessings encountered together— week in, week out. Read on for tips on getting together with friends for a meaningful (and easy) Havdalah. Get ready to say “Shavua tov!” with your friends and loved ones.

What’s needed for a Havdalah gathering?

If you’ve never celebrated Havdalah before, no worries — PJ Library has a very basic how-to:

Here’s the basic rundown of how to Havdalah: Celebrate Havdalah

For the ceremony itself, you will need:

A braided candle
Wine or grape juice
Copy of the blessings (if needed)
Lovely spices for smelling
- Here’s a fine motor activity for the little ones: Have them stick cloves into a whole orange to make a beautiful-smelling centerpiece.

To make an evening of it, try:

Hosting a potluck
Playing music
Go outside and look at the night sky/do some star-gazing
Gathering to say the blessings and to light and extinguish the candle together
Enjoying time together
Optional:
- Grownups: While the kids are occupied with books and podcasts, do a bit of text study or discuss something that’s been on your mind this week.