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Reader
(Holding Shabbat Candle)
The moments of Shabbat we have shared together are nearing an end. The songs of joy that have celebrated existence fade, and we turn once again to our unknown tomorrows.
Group
(As Reader Lights Havdalah Candle With The Flame Of Shabbat Candle)
May the light of Shabbat kindle within our souls the courage and purpose to face all our tomorrows.
Reader
(Holding Wine Cup)
The Havdalah cup is full and its taste is sweet. It speaks of the fullness and sweetness of life. Yet, as Havdalah follows Shabbat, so does the life of humankind ever change. Emptiness follows meaning, and despair pursues hope. Life’s pleasures are never sure, and its tomorrows are uncertain. Still, at the heart of existence lies the divine possibility for good. Let us then resolve together, at this moment of Havdalah, to realize in our own lives and the lives of others, the fullness and sweetness that waits to be born in the holy tomorrow.
Reader and Group
As we drink of the fruit of the vine, we bless the source of life:
Ba-ruch me-kor ha-cha-yim, sibat ha-ha-va-yah, asher be-cho-cho niv-ra pe-ri ha-ga-fen.
(Cup May Be Passed, Or Each May Partake Of His Own Cup)
Reader
(Holding Spice Box)
The fragrance of spice reaches beyond the box in which it rests to enrich the air we breathe. So will the memory and promise of the moment we have shared reach beyond the Shabbat to infuse our future hours with meaning and our experiences with hope.
Reader and Group
As we breathe the fragrance of the spices, we bless the source of our being:
Ba-ruch me-kor ha-cha-yim, sibat ha-ha-va-yah, asher be-cho-cho niv-ra-im me-ne ve-sa-mim.
(Spice Box May Be Passed)
Reader
(Holding Havdalah Candle)
The Havdalah separates Shabbat and struggle, the two worlds of humankind. Together they create the wholeness of human life. The Havdalah candle is therefore braided, its parts intertwined to form a whole. As the flame flickers, so the moods of humanity are fleeting. Shabbat does not stay, Havdalah always comes. Yet we do not return to the struggle alone, for the Havdalah, although separating two worlds, still touches them both, and so brings the peace of one to the disquiet of the other.
Reader and Group
As we behold these flames, we bless the source of life and light:
Ba-ruch me-kor ha-cha-yim, sibat ha-ha-va-yah, asher be-cho-cho niv-ra-im me-o-re ha-esh.
(Music)
Reader
Meditation*
May the Shabbat moment that now departs return again and again,
As waves to the sands and stars to the heavens.
Let struggle and sorrow give birth to peace and joy,
And the glad meaning of Shabbat drench our souls like the dew of morning.
As Havdalah mingles candle and wine,
So may we find light in our cup of life,
Whether bitter or sweet.
The spice box teaches of fragrance beyond itself,
Thus from Shabbat to Shabbat are we sustained by Shabbat.
*Inspired by “Hamavdil” of Rabbi Isaac ibn Ghayyat
Reader and Group
As we distinguish between Shabbat and struggle, we bless the source of meaning, the ground of all joy and hope.
Ba-ruch me-kor ha-cha-yim, sibat ha-ha-va-yah, asher be-cho-cho a-nu mav-di-lin beyn sha-bat le-chol
(Music)
(Any Appropriate “Nigun” Song)