#165: Machshavah
Rabbi Meir ibn Gabai writes in his work Tola’at Yaakov that the reason wine (or grape juice) should ideally be used for Havdalah is that when Shabbat ends, the neshamah yeteirah (additional soul received on Shabbat) departs. As a result, a person may feel somewhat despondent and weak as one begins the work week. To counter this, Chazal instituted reciting Havdalah over a cup of wine, as its consumption provides strength and brings the joy associated with wine.
Perhaps we can add to this idea that even those who do not drink from the Havdalah wine can still benefit by observing the joy it brings to the one who does drink it, thereby feeling uplifted as well. May we merit to carry the joy of Shabbat and the Havdalah wine with us into the week ahead.
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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.
