עברית
Faith
Is There a Source for Applying Havdalah Wine to the Forehead, Neck, and Pockets?
Question
We have observed that in certain communities it is customary to take some of the wine used for Havdalah that has been poured into the saucer and to place it in the pockets, on the forehead, and on the neck. I would appreciate knowing if there is a source for this practice or if it is considered a superstition. Thank you very much.
Answer
Greetings, Regarding placing wine on the forehead: similarly, the Chatam Sofer, of blessed memory, had the custom that after he drank the Havdalah wine from the cup, he would pour some water into it and drink from it. The remainder he would pour onto his hands and then pass them over his eyes and the crown of his head—that is, his forehead (see the book Minhagei Chatam Sofer, chapter 6, note 11). Regarding placing wine on the neck and inside the pockets: this is brought by Rabbi Shmuel Tov Gagin, of blessed memory, in the book Keter Shem Tov, part one (pages 842–843), that some have the custom to place remnants of the Havdalah wine on the 'ozne haluz' (a bone located at the neck), saying that placing the wine there is a segula (meritorious remedy) to preserve that bone from decay and to merit resurrection of the dead. Additionally, some have the custom to put remnants of the Havdalah wine inside their garment pockets, saying this is a segula for success and blessing so that their pockets will be filled with silver and gold. See there for more detail. Blessings, Hillel Meirs
