On Saturday, January 27, parents and children observed Havdalah together at the synagogue. Although not everyone wore pajamas, we all enjoyed the Havdalah ceremony followed by snacks and crafts. Linking to the spices that we smell during Havdalah, we made scented shea butter hand cream (Shea-Bat Shalom Shea Cream for Tu B’Shea-Vat), assembled besamim (spice) bags, and painted with spices (including dill and curry). The paintings smelled delicious even after the paint dried! Children also enjoyed a light table and a reading area.

Havdalah (Hebrew: הַבְדָּלָה, “separation”) is a Jewish religious ceremony that marks the symbolic end of Sabbath and Jewish holidays, and ushers in the new week. The ritual involves lighting a special havdalah candle with several wicks, blessing a cup of wine and smelling sweet spices. It is a quick and lovely ceremony. Several families at the event said they plan to celebrate Havdalah more often in their homes.

Laura Naide,

Director of Religious Education and Havdalah Fan