Humanistic Havdalah

The candle is lit

NiggunA wordless melody.

Behold, we are each our redeemers, we will trust each other and not be afraid, for our strength, our faith and our songs will be our redemption. We will draw water joyously from the wellsprings of hope. Love is our birth right; may this blessing rest upon our people and upon all peoples. Happy are the people who love one another. May love redeem us! May we answer each other on the day we are called to stand together. The Jews have light, happiness, joy and honor; may all have the same light. I will raise the cup of redemption and call out in the name of humanity.

The cup of wine is raised but not sipped

Niggun

Barukh ha-or ba-adam, Barukh ha-or ba-olam, Borei p’ri hagafen, Borei p’ri hagafen

Blessed is the light in humanity, blessed is the light in the world, that brings for fruit from the vine.

The spices are raised, incense lit, or herbs raised

Niggun

Barukh ha-or ba-olam, Barukh ha-or b’chayim, Borei m’nei v’samim, Borei m’nei v’samim

Blessed is the light in the world, blessed is the light of life, which brings forth varieties of spices

The spices, herbs or incense are passed around

Raise the havdalahLit. Separation A ceremony performed on Saturday night to mark the end of Shabbat and the beginning of the week, using wine, a braided candle, and sweet-smelling spices. candle

Niggun

Barukh ha-or ba-adam, Barukh ha-or ba-olam, Borei m’orei ha’eish, Borei m’orei ha’eish

Blessed is the light in humanity, blessed is the light in the world, that creates the light of the fire

The candle is held up in the air and those present look at the reflection of the light on their fingernails

Niggun

Barukh ha-or ba-adam, Barukh ha-or ba-olam, hamavdil bein kodesh l’chol, bein or l’choshekh, bein Yisrael l’amim, bein yom hashvi’i l’sheshet y’mei hama’aseh, Barukh ha-or ba-adam, hamavdil bein kodesh l’chol. Barukh ha-or ba-adam, hamavdil bein tov l’ra, bein tzedek l’khoser tzedek, bein sin’ah l’ahavah, barukha havdalah bein kodesh l’khol. 

Blessed is the light in humanity, Blessed is the light in the world, which distinguishes between the sacred and the secular, between light and dark, between IsraelLit. ''the one who struggles with God.'' Israel means many things. It is first used with reference to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29), the one who struggles with God. Jacob's children, the Jewish people, become B'nai Israel, the children of Israel. The name also refers to the land of Israel and the State of Israel. and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of labor. Blessed is the light in humanity, which distinguishes between right and wrong, between justice and injustice, between hatred and love. Blessed is the distinction between the sacred and the secular.

Sip the wine

Extinguish the candle in the remaining wine

Eliahu, Eliahu, Eliahu, bimheira v’yameinu yavo eleinu, b’yamot hamashiach. 

MiriamMiriam is the sister of Moses and Aaron. As Moses' and Aaron's sister she, according to midrash, prophesies Moses' role and helps secure it by watching over the young baby, seeing to it that Pharaoh's daughter takes him and that the baby is returned to his mother for nursing. During the Israelites' trek through the desert, a magical well given on her behalf travels with the Israelites, providing water, healing, and sustenance., Miriam, Miriam, oz v’zimra b’yadah, bimheira v’yameinu, tirkod itanu l’taken et ha-olam. 

ElijahElijah is a biblical prophet who is said never to have died. There are therefore many legends associated with Elijah. In the Talmud, unresolved arguments will be resolved when Elijah comes. He will herald the coming of the messiah. In Jewish ritual, Elijah is a liminal figure, arriving at moments of danger and transition – at a brit milah, a chair is put out for him, a cup is poured for Elijah at the Passover seder, and he is invoked at havdalah. His Hebrew name is Eliyahu., Elijah, Elijah, come heralding the Messianic Age, soon and in our days!

Miriam, Miriam, Miriam, strength and song in her hand, will dance with us to repair the world. Soon, and in our days!

SHAVU’A TOV! HAVE A GOOD WEEK!