Havdalah (Separation)

At the conclusion of Shabbat (Saturday night after you see three stars in the sky), there is a traditional service, earmarked to end the 24-hr period and transition us into the new week. It is my favorite service, though small, less is more in this case. What does one need to make this service? A cup of wine or grape juice, a strong smelling spice, a havdalah candle and the words. Not only are there many amazing tunes that go along with this sing-songy service, but the meaning behind the words is deep. One line that sticks with me in particular is hamavdil bayn kodesh l'chol, You are blessed, Lord, who makes a distinction between the secular and the sacred. (Translation from The NCSY Bencher) I love this concept because it seales off Shabbat and allows us to go back into the world with fresh holiness. It is stating that there is a difference between the two worlds. This boundary actually gives us freedom-freedom to use our space in time correctly according to where we are. This awareness gives us the ability to move more freely through our lifestyle, giving deeper meaning to each moment.

I love the idea of separation: the place at which a division or parting occurs. This word is applicable in many circumstances, not just entering the mundane from the holy. We separate day from night, from ourselves to people, work from play, friends from family, school to profession, good from bad. When we have the wisdom to recognize which part of our world we are dabbling in at each moment, we can truly be there. When we recognize we are in the world, but we don't have to be of the world, it helps carve out spatial integrity, further defining our own individuality.

So maybe think more about the meaning of the havdalah service before doing it next time.
It's deeply permeating.