Besamim (Havdalah spices)

Knowledge Base » Calendar, The Jewish » Shabbat » Havdalah » Besamim (Havdalah spices)

Besamim (Havdalah spices): (lit. "spices") Spices or other aromatic plant or fruit used during the Havdalah ceremony marking the close of Shabbat

6: Smell the Spices

On Shabbat we each posses an "added soul." Now that this extra measure of vitality and spirituality departs from us, we rejuvenate ourselves by smelling spices -- smell being the most spiritual of the five senses. Recite the special blessing ...

Jewish Practice » Mitzvahs & Traditions » Shabbat » Shabbat Guide » Quick Guides » Havdalah Wizard

The Incense and Candle

By Naftali Silberberg

In the course of Havdalah we sniff at aromatic spices and gaze at a braided candle. What are the reasons for these practices, and how exactly are they done?

Jewish Practice » Mitzvahs & Traditions » Shabbat » Shabbat Guide » The Shabbat Basics » Havdalah and the Conclusion of Shabbat

Why do we smell fragrant spices during the havdallah ceremony? Q&A

By Naftali Silberberg

At the conclusion of every Sabbath, during the havdallah ceremony, we sniff at aromatic herbs or spices (whole cloves are very popular). When the spiritual Sabbath leaves and another mundane work-week arrives, it is necessary to resuscitate ourselves by ...

Jewish Practice » Mitzvahs & Traditions » Shabbat » Shabbat Guide » Questions & Answers » Havdalah

The Kabbalah of Smell

By Dovid Zaklikowski

Prior to the birth of my oldest child, I actually found myself looking forward to this rite of parenthood, waiting to be introduced to diaper changing. At first it was not bad; not much of a challenge. More recently, however, as my son approaches his ...

Learning & Values » Chassidic Thought » Essays

Browse Subjects Alphabetically:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9