Brooke Martin
Havdalah is a ceremony that marks the conclusion of Shabbat and the start of a new week in the Jewish tradition. It involves blessing a cup of wine or grape juice, smelling spices, and lighting a candle. The Havdalah candle is typically braided with multiple wicks, symbolising the light of the new week and the unity of the Jewish people. While the candle is traditionally braided, some sources suggest that any candle with multiple wicks can be used, as this is the easiest way to make a candle with multiple wicks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of wicks | At least three |
| Braid type | Five-strand |
| Wax type | Beeswax |
| Wax colour | Yellow |
| Wick length | 1/2 inch |
| Wax strip length | 8 inches |
| Wick length relative to wax strips | 1 inch longer |
| Wax strip width | 2 inches |
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What You'll Learn
The candle must have multiple wicks
The Havdalah candle is a special candle with multiple wicks, lit during the Havdalah ceremony, which marks the conclusion of Shabbat and the start of a new week. The ceremony takes place on Saturday evening, after the emergence of three stars in the sky. The candle is braided, with at least three wicks, and is made from beeswax. The braiding of the candle is significant as it symbolises the unity, strength and love of the Jewish people. The multiple wicks also produce a brighter light, which is important as the blessing on the candle can only be recited if the light is sufficiently bright.
The custom of using a braided candle for Havdalah is believed to have originated from the Ashkenazi tradition, where candles were used instead of oil for lighting purposes. The braiding of the candle is also said to signify "Shamor" and "Zachor", which were "be-dibbur ehad ne'emru". The number of braids in the candle can vary, with some candles featuring a 5-strand braid. The braids can also be coloured, with warm colours like red, orange and yellow representing the harvest season, and cool tones like blue and green symbolising seedtime.
The process of making a Havdalah candle involves cutting sheets of beeswax into strips and then cutting the wicks slightly longer than the wax strips. The wax strips are then warmed up using a hairdryer to make them more pliable, and the wicks are placed in the centre, with the wax strips braided around them. The ends of the braids are then pressed together and trimmed to the desired length. The Havdalah candle is an important part of the Havdalah ceremony, and its multiple wicks and bright light symbolise the light of the new week and the distinction between light and darkness.
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The candle symbolises the light of the new week
The Havdalah ceremony marks the end of Shabbat and ushers in the new week. A key component of this ritual is the Havdalah candle, which holds deep symbolic meaning. The candle's flame represents the spiritual light that will guide us through the coming days. Its warm glow serves as a reminder of the divine presence that illuminates our path and bestows blessings upon us.
The act of braiding the wick of the Havdalah candle holds significance. The braid is often said to symbolise the intertwining of different aspects of our lives, such as the balance between physical and spiritual pursuits or the harmony between different facets of our existence. By lighting this braided candle, we acknowledge the complexity of our lives and seek guidance in navigating the challenges ahead.
The candle's light also signifies the enlightenment and wisdom we strive for in the week ahead. It symbolises the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and spiritual growth. The act of lighting the Havdalah candle encourages us to reflect on our actions and seek improvement, inspiring us to bring light and positivity into the world around us.
Additionally, the Havdalah candle serves as a reminder of the uniqueness of each individual. Just as no two braided wicks are exactly alike, each person brings their own distinct spark to the world. The candle's light symbolises the recognition and celebration of our individual talents and contributions, encouraging us to shine brightly in our own unique ways.
The ceremony of Havdalah provides a moment of transition, a bridge between the spiritual heights of Shabbat and the routine of daily life. By lighting the Havdalah candle, we symbolically kindle the flame of hope, faith, and spiritual commitment that will sustain us through the new week. Its light serves as a beacon, guiding us towards our goals and aspirations, and reminding us of the enduring presence of divine light within us and all around us.
As the Havdalah candle is lit and its warm glow fills the room, we are reminded of the beauty and sanctity of life itself. Its light symbolises the warmth and joy that we strive to carry with us into the coming week, infusing our days with meaning and purpose. The Havdalah ceremony, with its braided candle at the centre, is a powerful reminder of the light that resides within us and the potential we have to illuminate the world with goodness, compassion, and divine spark.
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The candle is lit after Shabbat ends on Saturday
The Havdalah ceremony marks the end of Shabbat and the start of a new week. It typically takes place on Saturday evening, shortly after nightfall, when three stars are visible in the sky. The ceremony involves lighting a special candle with multiple wicks, known as a Havdalah candle. This candle is often braided, with at least three wicks, and is made of beeswax. The braiding of the candle is said to symbolise the diversity of the Jewish people, woven together in unity, strength and love. The candle's flame represents the light of the new week and the distinction between light and darkness.
The Havdalah ceremony also includes other important elements. A blessing is recited over a cup of wine or grape juice, symbolising joy and the sanctification of the new week. Participants also smell sweet spices, awakening their senses and comforting their souls as they transition from the spiritual elevation of Shabbat to the mundane work week. The spices used are typically cloves or other aromatic herbs. After the ceremony, participants can sing traditional songs such as "Elijah the Prophet" or "Who Separates Holy from Ordinary/Weekday".
The Havdalah candle holds a significant role in the ceremony. To ensure the candle provides sufficient light, it is customary to check if its light can be used to distinguish between the fingernails and the flesh above them. If so, the light is considered bright enough. Nails are also symbolic in this context, as they represent blessing due to their continuous growth. During the ceremony, it is common to hold the thumb concealed beneath the four fingers while gazing at the nails.
The Havdalah candle can be crafted by hand, and it is a meaningful activity for families, especially those with young children. The process involves cutting sheets of beeswax into strips and braiding them together with wicks. The number of braids and colours can vary, allowing for creativity and personal preferences. For example, warm colours like red, orange, and yellow are perfect for the harvest season, while cool tones like blue and green are suitable for seedtime.
The lighting of the Havdalah candle is a beautiful tradition that symbolises the transition from the sacredness of Shabbat to the new week. It is a time to engage the senses and connect with God through the light of the candle, the fragrance of the spices, and the taste of wine or grape juice. The ceremony provides a spiritual rhythm that enhances the significance of Shabbat and unifies the Jewish community.
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The candle is made from beeswax
The Havdalah ceremony is a Jewish tradition that marks the conclusion of Shabbat and the start of a new week. It involves blessing a cup of wine or grape juice, smelling spices, and lighting a braided candle with multiple wicks, known as a Havdalah candle. This candle symbolises the light of the new week and the distinction between light and darkness.
The Havdalah candle is often made from beeswax. To make a beeswax Havdalah candle, you will need a sheet of beeswax, a ruler, a cutting board, a Kraft knife, cotton candle wicks, and a hairdryer. First, use the ruler and Kraft knife to cut three pieces of wax from the sheet, each approximately 2 inches wide by 8 inches long. Then, cut three pieces of cotton candle wick, each about 9 inches long (around 1 inch longer than the wax strips).
Once you have your wax and wicks prepared, it's time to start rolling the candles. Place the three pieces of wax in front of you and use the hairdryer on a low setting to gently warm up the wax for about 15 to 20 seconds, making it more pliable and easier to roll. Gently bend up the edge of the long side of each wax strip, place a wick in the little bend, and start rolling the candle. Work together with your family or friends to braid the three pieces of wax together, creating a beautiful intertwined candle with multiple wicks.
The braided Havdalah candle is not just aesthetically pleasing but also holds symbolic value. The three wicks of the candle represent the diversity of the Jewish people, symbolising their unity, strength, and love. Additionally, the bright light of the candle allows those participating in the ceremony to distinguish between their fingernails and the flesh above them, symbolising blessing and growth as nails never stop growing.
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The candle is intertwined
The Havdalah candle is intertwined, or braided, with several wicks. This is symbolic of the diversity of the Jewish people, woven together in unity, strength, and love. The candle is lit during the Havdalah ceremony, which marks the end of Shabbat and the beginning of a new week. The ceremony takes place on a Saturday evening when three stars are visible in the night sky.
The braided candle is a key element of the Havdalah ceremony, which involves engaging the senses. The candle's flame is seen, spices are smelled, and wine or grape juice is tasted. The light of the braided candle is said to symbolise the light of the new week and the distinction between light and darkness. The number of wicks in the candle can vary, with some sources recommending at least three, while others suggest a 5-strand braid.
The braiding of the candle is achieved by intertwining three or more pieces of wax and wicks. The wax is warmed with a hairdryer to make it pliable, and then the wicks are placed and the braiding begins. This process can be done by adults and children together, making it a meaningful family activity. The colours of the wax can be chosen to match the different seasons or personal preferences, adding a creative touch to the candle-making process.
The Havdalah candle is an important part of the Havdalah ceremony, and its braiding symbolises the unity and diversity of the Jewish community. The candle's light, along with the fragrance of spices and the taste of wine, creates a multi-sensory experience that enhances the spiritual significance of the ceremony. The intertwining of the candle's wicks reflects the coming together of the community in unity and strength.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a Havdalah candle is traditionally braided. The braiding is symbolic of the diversity of the Jewish people woven together in unity, strength and love.
A Havdalah candle is typically made of beeswax.
A Havdalah candle usually has three wicks, but can have more.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to reuse a Havdalah candle.
