Havdalah Candle

These Havdalah candles are dipped with many prayers for a Free Palestine, and a belief that every human life is sacred and deserving of safety and freedom. May it be so.

The word havdalah (הַבְדָּלָה) means separation in Hebrew. It is the ritual used to conclude Shabbat (after 24 hrs of delicious rest), to separate/extract ourselves from that set aside time for paying attention to the spiritual realm, and prepare to re-enter the material world again.

Traditionally, these candles are burned horizontally, while blessings are spoken over the candle, the wine (overflowing onto the plate below), and the besamim (fragrant spices). The flame is burned over a plate, to catch the drips, and then extinguished in the wine of the kiddish cup (to be used again and again). All of this is woven together with a few songs for good measure. This deeply sensual ritual basks in a sense of abundance and a deep reverence for our own sensing bodies. In many cultures, weaving, braiding, and harmony singing, are all forms of spell-casting. May these cast sweet spells on all who commune with their light.

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For those who are in love with these candles, but do not practice Judaism, I have formed the 9-strand havdalah candles with a base that fits into a traditional candlestick so they can be burned upright, although their burn time will be shortened by this method. They will burn approx. 1hr when used in this upright position. The 5 and 7-strand candles can also be altered to fit into traditional candleholders.

Caution!!! - Braided candles drip very unpredictably, and should never be left unattended. Protect any surfaces with a dish or something under the candleholder to catch extra drips.

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Beeswax facts:

Beeswax is a precious substance! Worker bees patiently convert the sugars from their hard-won honey, extruding tiny flakes of beeswax from 8 glands in their abdomen (16 flakes per day). They gather up the hard flakes, and soften them by chewing (and gathering together to keep the hive warm with their body heat), in order to construct their honeycomb and nurseries. It takes an average of 6-8 lbs. of honey (30 million flowers) to create 1 lb. of beeswax (equivalent to 7 of these 10” tapers)! Many thanks to these mystical beings and their keepers!

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Benefits of burning beeswax candles:

Burning beeswax candles can benefit your body and spirit. They clear the air of airborne allergens, as they emit negative ions. Firelight is on a similar spectrum as sunlight, and can bring some balance to the dark nights of winter.

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All Beheld Ritual Arts candles are made with single-sourced beeswax from a small, local apiary, here in Western North Carolina, and dipped on 100% cotton wick.

5-strand - approx. 10” x 1”

7-strand - approx. 10.5” x 1.25”

9-strand - approx. 10.5” x 1.5”