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The first of the four havdalah blessings is made over wine or another liquid. If wine or grape juice is not used, you should substitute shehakol nih'yeh bid'varo (by whose will all things come to be) for borei p'ri hagafen (who creates the fruit of the vine).

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

(if using wine or grape juice) borei p'ri hagafen (Amein) Who creates the fruit of the vine (Amen)

(if using other liquids) shehakol nih'yeh bid'varo (Amein) Who made all things exist through His word (Amen)

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The second blessing is recited over fragrant spices. The spices represent a compensation for the loss of the special sabbath spirit. The spices commonly used are cloves, cinnamon or bay leaves. They are commonly kept in a special decorated holder called a b'samim box.

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe,

borei minei v'samim (Amein) Who creates varieties of spices (Amen)

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The third blessing is recited over the special, multi-wicked Havdalah candle. Havdalah candles can be obtained from Jewish gift stores. If you cannot obtain a Havdalah candle, you can hold two candles close together, so their flames overlap. I have also used party candles (long, very thin candles) that I warmed up and twisted together.

Lighting a flame is a vivid way of marking the distinction between the sabbath and the weekday, because we cannot kindle a flame on the sabbath.

After the blessing is recited, hold your hands up to the flame with curved fingers, so you can see the shadow of your fingers on your palms. This is done because it would be improper to recite a blessing for something and then not use the thing.

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

borei m'orei ha'eish (Amein) Who creates the light of the fire (Amen)

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The final blessing is the havdalah blessing itself, the blessing over the separation of different things. The blessing is recited over the wine. After the blessing is complete, drink the wine. A few drops of wine are used to extinguish the flame from the candle.

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

hamav'dil bein kodesh l'chol Who separates between sacred and secular

bein or l'choshekh bein Yis'ra'eil la'amim between light and darkness, between Israel and the nations

bein yom hash'vi'i l'sheishet y'mei hama'aseh between the seventh day and the six days of labor

Barukh atah Adonai Blessed are You, Lord

hamav'dil bein kodesh l'chol (Amein). who separates between sacred and secular. (Amen)