#167: Should One Stand or Sit for Havdalah?
- Most Ashkenazim stand for Havdalah since it is appropriate to stand when escorting out the Shabbat (Rema 296:6, though the Vilna Gaon disagrees). Sephardim sit for Havdalah if it is recited on behalf of others, because this demonstrates that those present are part of a formal gathering and are all fulfilling the mitzvah together. (Shulchan Aruch 296:6; Mishnah Berurah 296:27)
- An Ashkenazi who sits for Havdalah or a Sephardi who stands have still fulfilled the mitzvah in its entirety, since the question of sitting or standing is one of preferred custom but not a matter that is critical for the performance of the mitzvah. If an Ashkenazi hears Havdalah from a Sephardi, it would seem that the Ashkenazi should sit, in accordance with the one reciting Havdalah.
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.
