Saturday evening, August 5. About 50 Beth Ora members, families and friends gathered around the water fountain in the park opposite our shul. Amiel Bender, the "Singing Cantor" explained to us that the Havdalah service marks the end of Shabbat. It should be performed no earlier than nightfall on Saturday night, the time when three stars can be seen in the sky.

Three things are required for this ritual: a glass of wine or other liquid, some fragrant spices, and a special Havdalah candle.

The first of the four havdalah blessings is made over wine or another liquid.

The second blessing is recited over fragrant spices. The spices represent a compensation for the loss of the special Sabbath spirit.

The third blessing is recited over the special, multi-wicked Havdalah candle.

Lighting a flame is a vivid way of marking the distinction between the Sabbath and the weekday, because we cannot kindle a flame on the Sabbath.

The final blessing is the havdalah blessing itself. The blessing is recited over the wine. After the blessing is complete, the wine is drunk. A few drops of wine are used to extinguish the flame from the candle.

Havdalah is a time we bid farewell to the Sabbath, singing praises to our Creator, thanking Him for all His gifts. Follwoing the services, everyone enjoyed the musical entertainment provided by our Cantors.

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