#160: Melachah Before Havdalah (Part 2)

Rabbi Eli Ozarowski
  1. We mentioned last time that one may perform melachah after Shabbat even before Havdalah when reciting “Ata Chonantanu” in the Ma’ariv Amidah. Alternatively, saying "Baruch Hamavdil bein Kodesh L'chol" (blessed is He who separates between the holy and the mundane) also permits melachah (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 299:10). Women, who often do not recite Ma’ariv, typically recite “Baruch Hamavdil” if they need to perform melachah before Havdalah (Rema, ibid.).
  2. A woman who wishes to prepare for Havdalah by lighting a candle, turning off the light, or the like should make sure to recite “Baruch Hamavdil” beforehand (Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchatah 59:2). The same applies to a man who did not recite Ma’ariv with “Ata Chonantanu”.

To sign up for the daily halacha via WhatsApp or email, click here.

Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.