Halachot and Customs
Why is water added to the wine?
Question
Why do we add 3 drops of water to the wine of Kiddush?
Why specifically 3 drops?
And why is nothing added for Havdalah?
And also, is there any reason to put water in the wine for Havdalah?
Answer
Hello and blessings,
The three drops allude to the sweetening of the judgments that takes place on Shabbat night. For Havdalah, this was indeed not customary; at the time of Havdalah, the forces of judgment prevail, and we do not try to wage war against them or sweeten the judgments.
With blessings,
Benjamin Shmueli
