How to Make a Homemade Havdalah Candle
There’s something special about saying farewell to Shabbat.
While most people light candles to welcome Shabbat, Havdalah is how we tuck it into bed for the week. And at the heart of this ceremony is the glowing, braided candle—its colorful wicks dancing together in one final flame of holiness before the new week begins.
If you’ve ever wanted to add a handmade touch to your family’s Havdalah, making your own candle is a simple and powerful way to do that. Whether you’re new to Havdalah or looking to add a special touch to your family’s experience, this step-by-step tutorial will guide you in crafting something beautiful, memorable, and delightfully rooted in tradition.
🌒 What Is Havdalah?
Havdalah (הבדלה), meaning separation in Hebrew, is the ritual that closes Shabbat once three stars are visible in the Saturday night sky. It marks the end of the seventh day and the beginning of the new week, with blessings over wine, fragrant spices, and a special candle.
Each element stirs the senses:
Sight – the candle's flame
Smell – sweet spices
Taste – wine or grape juice
Sound – ancient melodies and blessings
Touch – the comfort of a familiar rhythm
It’s a beautiful, tangible way to carry the peace of Shabbat into the coming week.
When my daughter was a newborn, I didn’t know any nursery rhymes, so I sang her the Havdalah melodies instead. These ancient Hebrew liturgies remain a precious part of our family’s faith journey. If you’d like to learn them, I recommend downloading this app with audio recordings or checking out the blessings in the back of this Bible.
What You’ll Need for a Full Havdalah Experience
Before we dive into the candle tutorial, here’s a quick look at the traditional Havdalah elements:
Wine or Grape Juice – We love Kedem Blush for a sweeter taste
B’samim (Spice) Pouch – Click here to make your own! Here’s the spices to fill them with.
Havdalah Candle – Let’s make one together below!
Here’s How to Make a Homemade Havdalah Candle
1. Gather Your Wax Supplies
To simplify the process, I used this Beeswax Candle Rolling Kit from Amazon. It includes everything you need: pre-colored sheets, wicks, and instructions. Plus, the variety of colors allows for creativity that matches different seasons or personal preferences.
2. Choose Your Colors
Select the colors you want for your candle. Each color represents one braid in the candle. For example, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow are perfect for harvest season, while cool tones like blue and green are beautiful for seedtime.
Choose the number of colors based on how many strands you want to braid. Share your combinations with me on Instagram @Ourshabbathomestead—I’d love to see them!
3. Cut the Wax and Wicks
Cut each wax sheet into 2-inch-wide strips. Then, cut the wicks 1 inch longer than the wax strips. I used my old fabric cutter, and it worked perfectly (no judgment from my sewing friends, please!).
4. Warm the Wax and Roll Each Strand
Using a hairdryer, warm each wax strip slightly—just enough to make it pliable without melting. Place a wick in the center of each strip and gently roll it into a candle strand.
Tip: If the wax crumbles, it’s too cold; if it sticks to the surface, it’s too warm. Adjust the heat as needed.
5. Braid the Strands
Here’s the tricky (but fun!) part. Lay the strands side by side and warm them briefly with the hairdryer so they stick together at the top. Slowly braid the strands, reheating as necessary to prevent breaking.
For a 5-strand braid, focus on moving the outermost strands toward the center. If you'd like a video tutorial, leave a comment on this post—if there’s enough interest, I’ll create one for you!
6. Use Your Candle for Havdalah
Bring your homemade candle to your next Havdalah celebration. Whether in your home or with your community, this candle is a beautiful way to honor the transition from Shabbat to the week ahead.
My First Havdalah Experience
My first introduction to Havdalah was at Baruch HaShem in Dallas, TX, where the service included blessings and Israeli dancing. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced and left a lasting impression.
Every family and community has its own way of celebrating Havdalah, but the beauty of this tradition lies in its multi-sensory elements: the light of the candle, the fragrance of the spices, and the taste of wine or grape juice.
Share Your Creations!
Crafting your faith is such a joy! If you make a Havdalah candle using this guide, I’d love to see your creations. Share your photos and color combinations with me on Instagram @Ourshabbathome.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to make Havdalah even more special for your family. Shavua tov and blessings as you transition into a new week!
