Shavua Tov!

According to tradition, we are given an extra soul on Shabbat but as we say goodbye to Shabbat and that extra soul, we are reminded that most of the time, we are sensual, physical beings. Think about it--the ritual of havdalah is built to reawaken each of our senses--we taste the wine, smell the spices, see the flame; we hear the prayers and touch each of the objects that carry us through the ritual itself. We may not have that second soul throughout the week but we do have our mouths and nose and eyes and ears and hands.

Ideally, a healthy sexual ethic includes reveling in all of our senses. Religionists often get excited over soulful thoughts. Don't get me wrong, we certainly need to be more connected to our spiritual side. Nevertheless, havdalah gives us a weekly reminder that our physical reality is sacred in its own right.

Let's be honest, today's American culture does not put a premium on how our five senses take in the world. Sure, we are obsessed with what we see and often with what we taste; but how often do we really consider how something feels or sounds. Plus, do we really give our noses the respect they deserve? Pheromones are not getting the play these days that they should!

Drink the wine and let your taste buds rejoice.
Smell the spices and allow the pleasant fragrance of the world inspire you.
Touch the kiddush cup, the spice box, the candle and appreciate the feel of the hard and the soft.
See the fire and open your eyes to the diverse beauty all around.
Hear the blessings of havdalah and hear the blessings of life.