Havdalah Sets

The Conclusion of Shabbat:   Havdalah and Returning to Work

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This force against entropy is active in both material and ethical spheres.  Material examples: Creation divides void into light and dark, separates waters from waters (by sky).  Ethical examples: God commanded ethnic diversity as a blessing [Genesis 9:1 coupled with its fulfilment at 10:32.]; distinguished Israel from the nations; prohibits working oxen and asses together, wearing wool and linen together, planting different grains in the same field [Deut. 22:9-11 & Leviticus 19:19]; men and women cross-dressing [Deut. 22:5], etc. 

Conclusion: We are enjoined to recognize differences rather than to deny differences, and to enjoy rather than suppress diversity.  We are to appreciate the goodness of the differences that distinguish each part of creation.   Failing to regard these distinctions as boons, and failing to revel in their goodness, is akin to nullifying creation.  (If Cheerios tasted the same as Corn Flakes -- or vice versa -- the world would be a poorer place.  So give thanks with every bowl.)

*  The kindling of lights (and the heating of spices) is forbidden on the Sabbath, so the Havdalah candle is a clear demarkation of Shabbat's boundary. There is a story (c.f., Talmud Pesachim 54a) that God taught Adam to make fire on Saturday night. So Havdalah can also be a commemoration of that aspect of creation.

--- adapted from "The Synagogue Survival Kit" by Jordan Lee Wagner, publ. by Rowman & Littlefield. 1997.

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