Havdalah

or Hab·da·lah

[ Sephardic Hebrew hahv-dah-lah; Ashkenazic Hebrew hahv-daw-luh ]

noun

, Hebrew.

1. a religious ceremony, observed by Jews at the conclusion of the Sabbath or a festival, that consists of blessings over wine, spices, and the light of a candle.

havdalah

/ hɑvdɑˈlɑ; hɑvˈdɔlə /

noun

1. Judaism the ceremony marking the end of the sabbath or of a festival, including the blessings over wine, candles, and spices

Word History and Origins

Origin of Havdalah¹

habhdālāh literally, division, separation

Word History and Origins

Origin of Havdalah¹

literally: separation

Example Sentences

As Argentine media eagerly cover Milei’s outings to Jewish events, including a recent Havdalah ceremony in Buenos Aires where a rabbi gave him his blessing, people close to Milei say that his interest in Judaism is genuine and not political in nature.

From Los Angeles Times

Campers embraced as the Havdalah candle was lit, hugging their new friends tight.

From Seattle Times

The camp incorporates aspects of Jewish practice such as lighting candles for Shabbat and Havdalah, the ceremony to close out the Sabbath day.

From Seattle Times

“It’s almost time for Havdalah,” Babulya said.

From Literature

Havdalah was short: four simple blessings, a sip of wine, smelling the spices, and extinguishing the candle.

From Literature