Q&A: Throwing Towels at the Groom During Havdalah
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Throwing Towels at the Groom During Havdalah
Question
For years now I haven’t understood
what’s the idea behind throwing towels at the groom during Havdalah?
It’s annoying.
It’s dangerous with the Havdalah flame.
The cup gets spilled, and that’s a problem because they recited the blessing over a cup they can’t manage to drink a quarter-log from.
It makes the table, the clothes, etc. dirty.
And not long ago I heard that it specifically has to be dirty towels, which is also disgusting.
Where did this come from?
What’s the point of it?
Answer
I’ve never heard of it. If you don’t feel like it, don’t do it. In any case, it’s just nonsense. Probably one more folk custom in the style of the garlic-and-sugar tray at a pidyon haben.