Using wine over other beverages:[1] One is to say Havdala over wine even if he has other significant beverages available.[2] If one does not have wine at home but has at home other significant beverages, he is not required to purchase wine rather than use the other significant beverages. Nevertheless […]
The details of Melaveh Malka
A. The Mitzvah: [1] After Shabbos it is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar[2] to have a meal out of respect for Shabbos, to escort it with honor while it is leaving.[3] [This meal is cordially called “Melaveh Malka”.] Setting the table: One is to set his table with a tablecloth, and […]
How to hold the Kiddush cup and Besamim
A. Custom of the Rebbe[1] and today’s widespread custom:[2] Lift the cup with your right hand, pass it to your left hand and then place it back in your right hand lifting it three Tefach from the table. Recite until the end of the blessing of Hagafen while holding the […]
Eliyahu Hanavi
Mentioning Eliyahu Hanavi on Motzei Shabbos:[1] It is accustomed to mention [the name of] Eliyahu Hanavi on Motzei Shabbos after Havdala[2] as a prayer that he should come and proclaim the redemption.[3] Eliyahu Hanavi writes the merits of the Jewish people:[4] During the time of Motzei Shabbos, Eliyahu Hanavi […]
The cup of wine
Laws relating to the cup of wine:[1] The cup of wine used for Havdala follows all the laws which apply by a Kos Shel Bracha, such as by Kiddush and the cup used for Birchas Hamazon. The following is a summary of the applicable laws:[2] The cup is to be […]
The Customs
Customs related to Havdala: Standing:[1] It is accustomed to stand while saying Havdala.[2] Wearing Shabbos cloths:[3] It is proper to wear at least some of one’s Shabbos clothing until after Havdala on Motzei Shabbos. [See Halacha 27 for a full analysis on this subject] Looking at the cup of wine […]
Blessings recited
The blessings recited during Havdala:[1] The Sages required one to smell Besamim[2] and say a blessing over a candle on Motzei Shabbos. They organized these blessings to be said during Havdala after the blessing over wine, prior to the blessing of Hamavdil. Thus after the blessing over wine the blessing […]
Eating before
Eating before Havdala:[1] It is forbidden to eat, drink or even taste any amount of food or beverage prior to saying or hearing Havdala over wine or other valid beverages[2]. This however is with exception to water which is allowed to be drunk prior to Havdala.[3] [Nevertheless our custom is […]
The General laws
The Sages instituted that in addition to reciting Havdala in Shemoneh Esrei one must likewise recite Havdala over wine, if wine is available.[1] Is Havdala of a Biblical or Rabbinical origin?[2] Some Poskim[3] rule the words recited in Havdala are of Biblical origin. Others[4] rule it is of Rabbinical origin.[5] […]
The Greatness of Havdala
Pirkeiy Derebbe Eliezer Shavuos 118b Sayings of the Sages: Rav Tzadok stated:[1] Whoever does not say Havdala over wine on Motzei Shabbos or does not hear Havdala from others does not see a Siman Bracha. However one who does say Havdala over wine on Motzei […]
