Havdalah is a ceremony that separates holy time � like Shabbat � from mundane or secular time. This ceremony is usually performed at the end of the Sabbath, on Saturday night, after there are three stars in the sky (about one hour after candle lighting time on Friday night).   Three ritual items are used in this ceremony: a braided or multi-wick candle (at least three wicks), a spice box filled with three sweet spices, and a cup of wine or grape juice.

The candle casts light into the �darkness� of the secular week to come.  The wine lightens our hearts � so that we won't be overcome with sadness when the Sabbath ends.  The spices console us for the loss of the �extra� soul that, according to Jewish mystical tradition, we receive when Shabbat begins and lose when it ends.

These are the basic rituals for havdalah:

1. We light a braided candle.
   
2. We pour a cup of wine and say a blessing over the wine.
   
3. We prepare a spice box with three sweet spices and say a blessing over the spices. Then we smell the spices.
   
4. We curl the fingers of one hand. We say the blessing over fire and look at the shadow cast by the candle on the palm of our hand.
   
5. We sip the wine and extinguish the candle in the remaining wine.
   
6. We wish our loved ones a good week.

� Shavuah Tov