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As we saw in the previous section, Shabbat and Yom Tov prohibitions are similar but not identical. So too are other laws. We will point out the most significant ones.
When lighting candles to begin Yom Tov, the blessing ends with “Who has sanctified us with His mitzvot and commanded us to light Yom Tov candles” (rather than “Shabbat candles”). If someone does not manage to light the candles by sunset, on Shabbat they may not be lit later, whereas on the festival they may be, as long as the fire is transferred from a pre-existing flame. It is customary to light a long-lasting candle (24-72 hour candle as needed) before Yom Tov, which can then be used for transferring fire. If Yom Tov begins on Saturday night, the candles may not be lit until the emergence of three stars.
We mention the sanctity of the festival in the festival Amida, just as we mention the sanctity of Shabbat in the Shabbat Amida. Special melodies are used in the festival prayers, and Hallel is recited during the Shaĥarit service. In Birkat Ha-mazon (Grace After Meals), on Shabbat we add the Retzei paragraph, while on the festivals the addition is Ya’aleh Ve-Yavo. On the three pilgrimage festivals, Ashkenazim recite Yizkor (the Memorial Service) during Musaf. In this prayer, people remember their parents and other relatives, pledging charity to help elevate their souls. Doing so connects the joy of the festival with the memories and legacies of their parents and family members.
There is a mitzva to recite Havdala after Yom Tov. This Havdala is shorter than the one after Shabbat. It is composed of only two blessings: Ha-gefen over the wine and Ha-mavdil (“Who distinguishes between sacred and mundane”).
The day following a festival is known as Isru Ĥag. Some of the illumination of the festival overflows into it, so it is good to eat and drink a little more than usual. Doing so bridges between the festival and the weekdays and extends the festival’s holiness and light to meals throughout the year.
