Vision for Conservative Early Childhood Programs: A Journey Guide

The Havdalah Ritual:
1. Introduction Many communities begin havdalah with the singing of Eliyahu Hanavi,
in the hope that Elijah the Prophet will appear to bring peace and redemption. Others end
Havdalah with this song. The actual havdalah ceremony begins with lighting a candle that
has at least two wicks and filling a cup with wine to overflowing. It continues with
reciting a paragraph of declaration that God is our deliverance and that God will bless us
and watch over us.
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Hinei El yeshuati evtach v’lo efchad, ki azi v’zimrat yah Adonai vayehi lilishuah.
U’shavtem mayim b’sasone mimanei hayeshuah, la’Adonai hayishuah al amcha
birchatecha selah. Adonai tzivaot imanu misgav lanu Elohai Yaakov selah. Adonai
tzivaot adam botayach bach, Adonai hoshiah hamelech ya’anaynu b’yom kareinu.
Behold, God is my deliverance, I shall trust and not fear, because God is my strength and my salvation.
With joy shall you draw water from the springs of deliverance. Salvation is God’s; God will bless His
people. God, the Master of legions, is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. God, the Master of
Legions, blessed is the person that trusts in You. Help us God. May the King answer us on the day we call.
It continues with the entire community declaring:
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LaYehudim hayta orah v’simcha v’sasone v’yikar, ken tihiyeh lanu
For the Jews there was light, gladness, joy and honor – so may it be for us.
The opening blessing ends with the line:
Kos y’shu-ot eisa, u’v’shem Adonai ekra.
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I will raise up the cup of saving power and call out in the name of Adonai.
2. Wine We then lift the glass of wine and say kiddush. (We don’t drink the wine until
the conclusion of havdalah) Some classes begin the havdalah service here, due to short
attention spans:
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Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam, borei pri ha’gafen
Blessed are You Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine
Vision for Conservative Early Childhood Programs: A Journey Guide
USCJ Department of Education
Maxine Handelman
Handelman@uscj.org
109