The Mishnah on 51b gives an order of "lights, spices, grace, and
havdalah." The subsequent Gemara changes this order around to "spices, light, grace and havdalah." Neither of these seem to correspond to current practice. What is the difference in practice, or meaning, for these terms? If this _does_correspond to current practice, how are the specific terms understood and implemented?
(Since bentching is in the order between light, or spices, and havdalah.)
Michael Cohen
The current practice of Havdalah is based onthe Gemara's conclusion on 52b: like Beis Hillel according to Rebbi Yehudah, who says Mazon, Besamim, Ner and Havdalah.
Birkas ha'Mazon is only relevant if we are reciting Birkas ha'Mazon on a cup of wine, and it i the only one in the house (a very unusual situation, today).
Be well,
-Mordecai