4: Recite the Introductory Verses

Fill your havadalah cup to the brim -- to the point that the wine actually spills over, and lift it into the cupped fingers of your right hand (see illustration). Light the braided havdalah candle.

The introduction to the Havdalah consists of nine joyful biblical verses which set the tone for a hopeful and joyous week to come. The Hebrew text and English translation are reproduced below:

Indeed, God is my deliverance; I am confident and shall not fear, for God the Lord is my strength and song, and He has been a help to me. You shall draw water with joy from the wellsprings of deliverance. Deliverance is the Lord’s; may Your blessing be upon Your people forever. The Lord of hosts is with us the God of Jacob is our everlasting stronghold. Lord of hosts, happy is the man who trusts in You. Lord deliver us; may the King answer us on the day we call.

All those listening to Havdalah say "For the … with us" followed by the leader.

For the Jews there was light and joy, gladness and honor—so let it be with us.
I will raise the cup of deliverance and invoke the Name of the Lord.