Havdalah
f o u r  o b j e c t s

The third part of the Sabbath begins in the early evening. It is a mitzvah (commandment) to perform havdalah, the service of separation. The four havdalah blessings recited in this home service are to mark the separation of the holy Sabbath day from the ordinary week days. The utensils required for the ceremony are a kiddush cup, a besamim (spice) box with always more than one type of spice, and a special multi-wicked and braided candle and its holder, customarily held by the youngest person present. The kiddush cup is to be filled to the brim even to overflowing, representing the joy of the Sabbath that fills the observer of the day with overflowing joy. At the end of the service, the burning candle is dipped into wine to be extinguished. The participants then wish each other “Shavua tov,” a good week.