The First Havdalah

An image of Adam kindling a fire as the first Sabbath comes to an end in the Garden of Eden. Animals can be seen in the background. The Havdalah (lit. "separation") ceremony is recited at the conclusion of the Sabbath and festivals to mark the distinction between the departing sacred day and the ordinary weekday that is beginning. One of the most ancient blessings, it is preceded by a number of scriptural verses and three blesssings — over wine, spices, and light — all comprising the Havdalah ceremony. Tradition has it that it had been G-d's intention to create fire on the eve of the Sabbath, but it was not created until Sabbath's outgoing. As the first Sabbath was ending Adam saw darkness approaching as the sun set was afraid. G-d gave Adam two stones which he struck together until fire came forth. In gratitude Adam uttered the blessing "Blessed art Thou. O Lord who created the light of fire." This blessing is said during the Havdalah ceremony to this day. The flame lit during the Havdalah ceremony represents, and thereby commemorates the first fire.