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LETTERS

LETTERS

from page 38

dox or Chasidic rabbis took the time
to learn as much about Secular
Humanistic Judaism and presented
similar lectures to their congregations?
Henry Pinkney
Farmington Hills

New Interest
In Havdala

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It was really heartwarming to read how
the Conservative and Reform streams in
our community have made a concerted
effort to embrace the•Havdala ceremony
("Beyond Shabbat," Feb. 4).
Long neglected, almost forgotten,
the Havdala ceremony existed more in
the breach than in the observance
among non-Orthodox; while among
the Orthodox, it never fell into obliv-
ion, but was hailed as a beautiful,
though brief, ritual — dynamic-and
spiritually uplifting in its message.
The Havdala ceremony contains
three blessings based upon three pas-
sages from the Torah: Leviticus 6:6,
Genesis 1:4 and Leviticus 20:26. The
formulation of the Havdala ceremony
was decreed by men of the Great
Assembly, which flourished circa 198
B.C.E. and was the precursor of the
Sanhedrin. Therefore, the ritual itself
is rabbinic in origin and not a com-
mandment of the Torah.
The Havdala ceremony comes
when the Sabbath is over and bids the
Sabbath farewell. Wouldn't it make
more sense to welcome the Sabbath
upon its arrival?
We have a beautiful and elaborate
ceremony, Kabbalat Shabbat, which
embraces the high point of Jewish spiri-
tuality every Friday night. It is the most
glorious hour of the week. Why not
start with the lighting of the Sabbath
candles and the inspiring prayers of the
initial liturgy, the Kiddush, a festive
meal, zemirot [holiday songs] and the
grace after the meal? After all, the Sab-
bath is one Of the first commandments
given to the children of Israel.
The Havdala ceremony brings to
mind the old camp song, "We hate to
see you go ..." Still, as a trend among
the non-Orthodox, it's a welcome
move to eradicate the differences
between us. After all, we are all the
children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob;
we worship the same God who has
given us His eternal covenant.
Rabbi Jack Goldman
West Bloomfield

