Everybody who has been to a BBYO or camp Shabbat has heard the phrase the longer the sizzle the better the week. Normally, this is followed by everyone who is present joining to make the "tssss" noise together. As a young kid at camp, I could not understand why people would talk over the candle’s so-called prophecy for the week as I saw it as a sacred tradition. I thought people did this to just be annoying and brush over the Jewish parts of camp.

However, as I have started attending Havdalah outside of camp at BBYO, I have recognized the merits of what I thought was always a disruption. The joining together of people is what makes the week. It's not about the length of time that the candle sizzles for, it is about everyone joining together to strengthen our bonds. The longer the "tssss" noise made by us, the better the week. When joining in to celebrate havdalah with more people, not only am I reminded of my connection to Judaism, but I am also reminded of the connections surrounding me.

The more eager I have been to participate in Havdalah, the better the week after. Havdalah sets the tone for the week by allowing me to take part in determining my week’s fate. Instead of leaving it up to a candle, I am able to make my week better. The "tssss" is just the beginning of Havdalah. I have found that when more are eager to participate in what could be considered a small tradition, more participate in the rest of the songs and prayers. Singing and dancing under the stars celebrating a new week could easily seem like a silly tradition, and yet just as I have embraced the magic of coming together for the "tssss", it is important to embrace the cheesy songs. As you sway with your friends, you are able to set the tone for the week and remind yourself just how lucky you are to be around people who always have your backs.

From now on, instead of rolling my eyes at what I thought were discrepancies to an otherwise holy ceremony, I will whole-heartedly join in and embrace the new traditions we make. Havdalah is a special ceremony, but, for me it's not because of the Hebrew prayers we say. Instead, it is because it allows us to reflect on a great week and prepare for another one to come. Getting excited over the joining in of the "tssss" sound reminds me to look forward to the small moments of joy in life, and, it serves as a great reminder to not always take myself too seriously.