Havdallah candles are traditionally lit at sundown on Saturday evening to mark the end of the holy day of rest, and the beginning of the week. We light the candle, smell pungent spices, take a sip of wine, and, in my tradition, extinguish the multi-wick flame in the cup of wine before offering it back to the earth. This ritual helps us to intentionally distinguish between holy rest and holy work.

Havdallah candles are meant to be burned for a short period of time, and then extinguished. It is recommended that you hold the havdallah candle in your hand at a slight angle, letting the wax drip onto a small plate, a glass of wine or water, or any other material you wouldn’t mind getting wax on. Havdallah candles will not fit into standard candlesticks.

“Zaftig” Havdallah candles are voluptuous, full, and round.

“Svelt” Havdallah candles are slender and ropey.

I invite you to kindle ceremonies and rituals of time-marking with these candles.

May your work be healing. May your work give you life. May your work be holy.

Shavua Tov - may you have a good week.