We begin the 2nd section of the Amida, the blessings of request (ברכות בקשה), with a request for knowledge and understanding. Why does this request begin the list of requests? The Tur (Siman 115) answers that it is due to the fact that the human elevation above animals is in our ability to attain and apply knowledge and understanding. Of course, our request for knowledge should be for one that will help build the world and make it a better place- knowledge that will indeed elevate us ABOVE animals and that will help us overcome our evil inclinations.
*** אתה חוננתנו-- We add in the prayer of Habdalah- אתה חוננתנו- in the fourth Berakha of the Amida (אתה חונן, "You grant us knowledge"), in which we separate between that which is sacred (Shabbat) and that which is profane (Weekdays). If one forgot to say Atta Honantanu in the Amida ("הבדלה בתפלה"), the Amida does not need to be repeated as the Habdalah blessing will later be recited over the Wine ("הבדלה על הכוס").
The Rabbis required us to recite Habdalah over wine as well, even though it was already recited in the Amida prayer, so that one gives respect and honor to the exiting of Shabbat via a blessing over wine. Therefore, one is not allowed to begin eating from the time of sunset on Saturday night until the Habdalah on Wine is recited. ***
*** אתה חוננתנו-- We add in the prayer of Habdalah- אתה חוננתנו- in the fourth Berakha of the Amida (אתה חונן, "You grant us knowledge"), in which we separate between that which is sacred (Shabbat) and that which is profane (Weekdays). If one forgot to say Atta Honantanu in the Amida ("הבדלה בתפלה"), the Amida does not need to be repeated as the Habdalah blessing will later be recited over the Wine ("הבדלה על הכוס").
The Rabbis required us to recite Habdalah over wine as well, even though it was already recited in the Amida prayer, so that one gives respect and honor to the exiting of Shabbat via a blessing over wine. Therefore, one is not allowed to begin eating from the time of sunset on Saturday night until the Habdalah on Wine is recited. ***