RMPS - Int2/Higher - World Religions - Judaism - Education Scotland

THE HUMAN CONDITION
of the Torah, called a sidra, is read from the Sefer Torah each Shabbat
so that the entire scroll is completed during the course of the year.
After the service a communal kiddush is held in the hall attached to the
synagogue for all the congregants.
When it is dark enough for three stars to be seen in the sky on Saturday
night, Shabbat is over. Shabbat ends with the Havdalah ceremony in
which four blessings are recited. The first blessing is over a cup of wine;
the second is done over fragrant spices which are kept in a special
decorated holder. Spices commonly used are cloves and cinnamon. The
spices are smelled to refresh the soul with the departure of the Shabbat
spirit. The third blessing is recited over the light of the plaited candle.
This candle has several wicks and their kindling shows that fire can now
be made. This marks the distinction between Shabbat and weekdays.
The final blessing is the Havdalah blessing itself. Havdalah means
‘separation’ and this is the blessing over the separation of the holy day
from the work day. After this blessing, the wine is drunk and a few
drops of wine are used to extinguish the flame from the candle.
The following extract describes the manner in which Shabbat should be
observed.
Source
In order to honour Shabbat one should, as a matter of religious duty, take a
hot bath on Friday, get dressed in festive clothes, and sit in a dignified
manner waiting to receive Shabbat, just as if one were going out to meet the
king….
One should set his table properly on Friday night, even if he feels the least
need for food, and likewise at the end of Shabbat, so as to honour Shabbat
at both its commencement and termination.
Mishneh Torah
RMPS: WORLD RELIGIONS – JUDAISM (INT 2, H) 17
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