Havdalah is one of those moments that sticks with you. It marks the end of Shabbat, the transition from the holiness of the day of rest back into the week ahead. But for me, it’s never just a ritual—it’s a pause, a breath, a moment to connect, reflect, and celebrate who I am as a Jewish teen. Having experienced Havdalah both in Israel and at International Kallah, I have come to appreciate how powerful and unique this ritual can be in different settings.

Being from Israel, I had only done Havdalah twice, but both times felt meaningful, familiar, and deeply connected to my roots and community. The songs, the blessings, and the candle’s flame were the same as anywhere else, yet the atmosphere was different—intimate and centered mostly around Israeli youth. While beautiful, these ceremonies were quieter, simpler, and felt like a local celebration among friends.

However, my experience at the International Kallah Summer Camp transformed my understanding of Havdalah entirely. We celebrated Havdalah three times during the program, and each time was filled with deep emotion and significance. The last Havdalah, in particular, was incredibly powerful. Standing together under the “Tree of Light,” surrounded by Jewish teens from all over the world, singing the familiar songs in unison—it was breathtaking. The mix of happiness and sadness was overwhelming. We were joyful to be sharing such a sacred tradition, yet sad because it was the final Havdalah and marked the end of an unforgettable chapter.

This setting added layers of meaning to the ritual. The diversity of the participants, the shared voices blending together, and the physical environment all combined to create an experience that was both intimate and universal. Havdalah at camp was not only about closing Shabbat; it was about celebrating our global Jewish identity, our unity across different cultures, and the strength of our shared traditions.

For Jewish teens, moments like these are incredibly important. They remind us of where we come from, connect us to our heritage, and bind us together as a community that spans continents. Havdalah becomes a beacon of light—literally and figuratively—that guides us through the week ahead with hope, pride, and connection.

From my perspective, the difference between Havdalah in Israel and at International Kallah is the difference between a familiar ritual and a profound, collective experience. Both are beautiful and important, but the camp’s Havdalah was unique in how it brought together diverse voices and created an unforgettable moment of unity and meaning.

Havdalah at International Kallah was not just a ceremony; it was a symbol of friendship, identity, and the enduring power of Jewish tradition across the world.