Holy Distinctions
As has been discussed in previous articles, Shabbos (and Yom Tov) is not strictly a time of prohibitions by the Torah preventing us from performing routine activities; Shabbos is a time of great holiness and potential accompanied by positive commandments to emphasize and actualize the holiness available to us. As such, the Torah commands us to declare the sanctity of Shabbos at both its start and end. There are many laws relating to both Kiddush and Havdalah and while Kiddush gets much attention, Havdalah often gets overlooked.
In Halacha, there are three ways to make Havdalah. The Gemara (Brachos 33A) relates that the original institution of Havdalah was a recitation on wine, just as Kiddush. However, due to financial restraint, Chazal instead instituted Havdalah in Shemoneh Esrei of Motzei Shabbos. However, when people had the financial means again, it was reinstated on wine. There is a third type of Havdalah, where one merely states, “Baruch Hamavdil bein Kodesh L’chol,” and fulfills the minimal obligation of Havdalah.
One must make some form of Havdalah before doing “melacha” after Shabbos. If one cannot make Havdalah over wine or in Shemoneh Esrei, one should say Baruch Hamavdil before doing melacha. However, someone treating a choleh sheyesh bo sakana should not make any form of Havdalah before completing what they were doing (Nishmas Avraham 291,4). Additionally, it is forbidden for one to eat or drink before hearing Havdalah on wine. (299;1 and Mishna Berura).
If one did not hear Havdalah Saturday night, one has until nightfall on Tuesday to make Havdalah. However, one who makes Havdalah after sunrise on Sunday does not make a bracha on besomim or fire. In this regard, Shabbos differs from Yom Tov. If someone did not make Havdalah on motzei Yom Tov, they only have until the following nightfall to make Havdalah, but after the first day, one can no longer make Havdalah.
Above are just some of the many Halachos regarding Havdalah. Making Havdalah is more than just a bracha, it is a declaration of the sanctity of Shabbos, just as Kiddush is. Recognizing the kedusha for the entirety of Shabbos will help us appreciate the reasons and the messages of its many halachos.