Shabbat part 20

The evening service of Saturday night is recited with mixed feelings. On the one hand, the day of joy and delight is over. On the other, a new week is beginning, blessed by the Shabbat that preceded it. There is both a feeling of dread, as well as a feeling of great optimism. According to Talmudic lore, the dead in Gehinom (Purgatory) are released from their suffering for Shabbat; forced to return as soon as the Jewish people recite their evening prayers. But the rabbis say that Mashiach will not come on a Shabbat. We await the arrival of Elijah on Saturday night, announcing his arrival. Many sing hymns on Saturday night in praise of Elijah. The main part of the evening prayer is fairly routine, with the exception of a short addition in the amidah proclaiming the end of Shabbat, and asking for a blessed, safe week. After the amidah, there are several additions. There is a Psalm meant to ward off evil (Psalm 91), as well as a recitation of the angels' praise of G-d (Holy, Holy, Holy) recited in Hebrew and Aramaic. The Kabbalistic explanation of this custom is based on the idea (mentioned in Talmud) that the angelic forces hate the Aramaic language. It is very close to Hebrew, yet it is not Hebrew. It represents twilight, the most dangerous time of day. Therefore, we recite the passages in Hebrew, and immediately translate them into Aramaic, as if to say to any and all accusing angels, G-d is in charge, from the highest levels to the lowest. At the conclusion of the service, the beautiful Havdalah prayer is said. It should be recited at home, but we also recite it at the synagogue for the benefit of those who may not have wine at home. A cup of wine is filled (many allow it to overflow, as a sign of abundance and blessing). A braided candle is lit, symbolizing a strong light to illuminate the darkness ahead. Sweet-smelling spices are held, symbolizing consolation for the special over soul we receive on Shabbat, but has now departed. Sepharadim will usually use twigs of fragrant trees, especially myrtles. Many Sepharadim bless on myrtles at each Shabbat meal as well. The same myrtles are used at Havdalah. First, verses of encouragement and hope are recited. Exactly which verses vary by community. The blessing on wine is said, followed by the spices. A blessing for "the lights of fire" (as opposed to the destructive nature of fire) is recited. Then comes the Havdalah ("separation") blessing. We praise G-d for making distinctions; between the Holy and the Profane, between Light and Darkness, between Israel and the Nations, between the Seventh Day and the Six Work Days. Sometimes all these seem like a blur. But having just experienced Shabbat, we can now have a perspective. The wine is drunk, the candle is extinguished in some of the wine. Many have the custom of dipping their fingers into the wine that has been used to put out the candle, and placing some on their eyes (for proper vision, physically and spiritually), on their temples for wisdom, and on their pockets for material blessing. All present will wish each other a good week (Shavu'a Tov in Hebrew, A Gut Voch in Yiddish). A small meal is held, as though to escort the Shabbat Queen from our homes (Melaveh Malka). In some homes, the Shabbat candles are set up for the next Shabbat at this time. That is what keeps us going. It has been said "More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews"