Beginning the new week

On our first day of the summer program, we welcomed the new week with a havdalah ceremony.  Gathering together in a big circle in the Community Room, we lit the tall braided candle. It really glowed in the dark room! Harold held the kiddush cup up in the air and we all sang the blessing over the grape juice. We continued with the sweet smelling spices. Then our many candle helpers held the colorful candles up high, the rest of us held our hands up as we said the blessing over the fire. We tried to catch the reflection of the flames in our fingernails. When we were done singing, the candle helpers entinguished the flame in the juice and we wished each other a shavuah tov, a good, sweet week.

Havdalah is traditionally done on Saturday night, to mark the end of Shabbat. If you'd like to try it at home the full ceremony (takes just a few minutes) can be found here:
Havdalah Blessings- Words
Havdalah Blessings- Music (play a clip or download the whole thing for 99 cents)