Work before Havdalah on Saturday Night
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Question
What is the nature of the prohibition of work on Saturday night before Havdalah?
Answer
Hello,
It is rabbinically forbidden to perform work on Saturday night until Havdalah is made. However, biblically, it is permitted.
Someone who needs to perform work before making Havdalah in prayer or over a cup should say 'Baruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh Lechol', and this is considered as Havdalah for the purpose of permitting work.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 293, Sif 10
Mishnah Berurah, Sif Katan 38: But lighting the candle, etc. - the reason is that biblically, without Havdalah, work is permitted, only the rabbinic decree requires Havdalah first, hence they were lenient with work that does not involve effort: