Word Prompt – HAVDALAH – Martin Bodek

Havdalah is one of those rituals that is markedly different, and utterly interesting, once you step just a bit outside of your usual setting.

Whenever I'm a guest at somebody's house for Shabbat, for example, I always look forward to whatever new thing I'll experience at its conclusion, especially if the rest of Shabbat was replete with customs I've never seen before.

I've experienced one host staring into the kiddush cup and laughing.

I've had instances where the entire party stood up and sat down at least 10 times at various junctures.

I've seen Birkat Kohanim take a central part of the proceedings; I've seen Hallel; I've seen haftarot recited.

I remember when my fellow campers all said, "Oooooooooh!" in unison when the lights went out for Me'orei Ha'eish, which displeased the head counselor greatly.

I've enjoyed besamim made of lemons, spearmint, rose water, hadassim, cinnamon, and all manner of miscellanea outside of cloves.

I've seen ba'alei batim literally go overboard, ensuring the wine pours off the counter, onto the floor, intentionally, every time.

Me and my wife? She kindles tea lights with the Havdalah candle, to extend the holiness of Shabbat.

I still dip the wine into my pockets and across my brow, so that I'll be rich and smart. One day. Hasn't worked yet.