How to Make Havdalah Candles? Step-by-Step Guide

Havdalah candles are a vital part of the Jewish ritual marking the end of Shabbat. These unique, often braided candles symbolize the separation between the holy day of rest and the new week. Making your own Havdalah candle can be a meaningful and creative experience.

What Are Havdalah Candles?

Havdalah candles are special braided candles used in the Jewish ritual of Havdalah, which marks the end of the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. Havdalah candles have more than one wick braided together, symbolizing the mixing of the holy. These candles, traditionally made from beeswax, are designed to produce a bright, warm flame that illuminates the force of the ritual.

Related Article: History of Candles

Gather Your Supplies

First, let’s get everything ready. You’ll need:

• Beeswax sheets in various colors
• Cotton wicks
• Scissors
• A ruler
• Essential oils (optional for fragrance)

Step-by-step Guide on Making Havdalah Candles

Making Havdalah candles is a wonderful way to engage in a meaningful tradition while adding a personal touch to your rituals.

Step 1: Preparing the Wax Sheets

Start by choosing your beeswax sheets. The sheets come in various colors, so pick the ones you like. Traditional Havdalah candles often use blue and white, but feel free to get creative!

Related Article: Make Candles with Beeswax Sheets 

Step 2: Cutting the Wicks

Next, cut your cotton wicks to the desired length. Ensure the wicks are a little longer than the height of your candles. This gives you some extra to hold onto while braiding the candles later.

Step 3: Cutting the Beeswax Sheets

Lay the beeswax sheets flat. Now, use a ruler to estimate and cut them into strips. Each strip should be about an inch wide and the full length of the sheet. If you’re using multiple colors, you can mix and match to create beautiful, vibrant candles.

Step 4: Adding Essential Oils

If you want your candles to have a lovely fragrance, now’s the time to add a few drops of essential oil to the beeswax sheets. Gently rub the oil onto the sheets, being careful not to tear them.

Step 5: Braiding the Candles

Now comes the fun part! Take three wax strips and start braiding them together. This part is where you can get innovative. Hold the braid tight for a smooth finish. Remember, it’s like braiding hair – practice makes perfect.

Step 6: Securing the Wick

As you braid, insert the wick into the center of your braid. Make sure it’s secure but still centered. The wick should run through the entire length of the candle, peeking out just a bit at both ends.

Step 7: Final Step

Once you’ve finished braiding, press the ends of the candle to seal them. Trim any excess wick, leaving about half an inch at the top. Let your candles sit for a bit to firm up before using them.

Conclusion

Crafting your own Havdalah candles is a delightful and fulfilling experience. Not only do you get to customize your candles with beautiful colors, but you also add a personal touch to your Shabbat rituals. Happy candle-making, and may your Havdalah be loaded with ease and fun!

FAQs

How Many Wicks Should a Havdalah Candle Have?

A traditional Havdalah candle has multiple wicks. When these wicks are lit, their braided design creates a single flame.

How Many Strands Does a Havdalah Candle Have?

Havdalah candles usually have six or more strands. Mostly, six strands are used, although the exact number can vary.

Can You Use Any Candle for Havdalah?

Using any regular candle for Havdalah isn’t ideal. Havdalah candles are specifically designed for the ritual. They are longer, with multiple wicks braided together.

Can You Make Havdalah Without a Candle?

Yes, you can make Havdalah without a candle. However, this is not the traditional or preferred practice, and it’s generally reserved for exceptional circumstances.

How Long Does a Havdalah Candle Last?

The size and number of wicks determine how long a Havdalah candle will last. On average, a well-made Havdalah candle can last several months if used once a week.