What does Besamim mean?
What does Besamim mean?
The spice box (or besamim) in used during the Havdalah, a Jewish ritual that marks the end of the holy Sabbath, in which a special candle and spice essence are used for blessing, and the spice smelling is perceived as enhancing the Jewish spirit after the pleasantry of the Shabbat before returning to daily routine.
Why do we say Havdalah?
Havdalah, or “separation” in Hebrew, is Shabbat’s closing ritual, when three stars appear on Saturday evening. In a simple multi-sensory ceremony, with blessings over lights, wine or grape juice, and spices, Havdalah is an inspiring way to end Shabbat and start the new week as a family.
How do you end Shabbat?
When Shabbat comes to an end on Saturday evening, a Havdalah ceremony is held to mark the occasion. A blessing is said over wine, a symbol of joy, then over sweet spices, to comfort the soul at the loss of Shabbat. Finally a multi-wicked candle is lit to show that Shabbat has ended and that fire may be created again.
What does the Havdalah candle represent?
Havdalah uses your senses to mark the end of Shabbat and welcome in a new week. Sweet spices are sniffed to carry the sweetness of Shabbat into the week and to wake us gently to our earthly responsibilities. Lighting the candle is the first fire of the new week, a sign that the time to begin creating again has arrived.
Why do we use Besamim?
Spices, called besamim in Hebrew, often stored in an artistically decorative spice container in order to beautify and honor the mitzvah, are handed around so that everyone can smell the fragrance.
What can be used for Besamim?
Broadly, any natural fruit, plant, vegetable or herb which emits a strong pleasant aroma may be used. As for synthetically created aromas, it is highly questionable if they warrant a beracha, and as such, should not be used for Besamim.
Can a woman say Havdalah?
Shulchan Aruch (OC 296:8) writes that women are obligated in Havdalah, however there is an opinion that disagrees. However, Igros Moshe (CM 2:47) points out that even if women are not obligated in this bracha, they are permitted to say it.
Why do we light a candle during Havdalah?
The Candle The Havdalah candle must have multiple wicks — or more than one candle’s wick joined together —because the blessing itself is in the plural. The candle, or fire, represents the first work of the new week.
What is a challah loaf and what does it Symbolise?
The challah loaves represented the mannas when the children of Israel when in the Sinai desert. The two loaves were commanded by God because the first loaf was eaten on Friday and the second loaf was eaten on Sabbath (when no work must be forbidding).
When can you do Havdalah?
Havdalah may be performed as late as sunset of the Tuesday following Shabbat.
Can you use coffee for Besamim?
As for synthetically created aromas, it is highly questionable if they warrant a beracha, and as such, should not be used for Besamim. The Mishna Berura clearly rules that one may in fact make a beracha on the fragrance of coffee. He does, however, add the all important caveat that the coffee must be hot.
Are you allowed to eat before Havdalah?
The Mishnah Berurah writes that beginning at shkia (sunset) one must stop eating because it may already be considered night. However, if one has not yet eaten Shalosh Seudos, they should still do so until 30 minutes before tzeis ha’kochavim.
What should one use for the blessing of Besamim?
What should one use for Besamim:[36] Preferably one is to use a spice which its blessing is Borei Minei Besamim.[37] Such spices include Mor [clove and cinnamon[38]]. One may add to this spice other spices of a different blessing and say on the entire bundle the blessing of Minei Besamim.[39]
What kind of spice do you use for Besamim?
One is to use for Besamim a spice which receives the blessing of Borei Minei Besamim, such as clove or cinnamon. If this is not available one may use any other spice although is nevertheless to say the blessing of Borei Minei Besamim.
Can a Besamim be used on an air freshener?
(b) Spices which are not used to produce a good smell but are placed to remove bad odors – such as air fresheners put up in bathrooms – should not be used for besamim. According to many opinions, one does not recite a blessing on them (Shulachan Aruch 217:2 with Bi’ur Halacha). (Most such substances are manmade anyway.)
When to say the blessing of Borei Minei Besamim?
If no Minei Besamim spice is available:[43] In the event one does not have a Minei Besamim spice, he is to use a spice of another blessing. Even in such a case he is to say the blessing of Borei Minei Besamim as the custom on Motzei Shabbos is to say the blessing of Borei Minei Besamim on all spices used during Havdala even if they are
