Besamim, the aromatic spices filling the air with a soothing scent, signal the end of Shabbat and the start of a new week in Jewish homes around the globe. This unique fragrance is part of the Havdalah ritual, embodying the renewing spirit of Jewish traditions.
Let’s take a closer look at the role of besamim in Havdalah, and discover its rich significance in Jewish religion and customs.
featured image: Photo by Jaspreet Kalsi on Unsplash
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Role of Besamim in Havdalah
- History of The Use Of Spices in Havdalah
- Reciting the Blessing over Besamim
- Creating Your Own Havdalah Spices
- The Significance of the Besamim Box
Understanding the Role of Besamim in Havdalah
Besamim, the aromatic spices used in the Havdalah ceremony, have both a symbolic and practical purpose. Symbolically, they stand for spiritual elements.
On a practical level, they help to comfort our souls. As Shabbat ends, we believe an ‘extra soul’ given to us at the start of Shabbat leaves us. As we recite the Havdalah blessings, the fragrance from the besamim serves as a gentle balm, healing our soul and helping it deal with this loss.
Why is the sense of smell so important? Well, according to a biblical tale of Adam and Eve’s misstep in the Garden of Eden, all senses except smell were implicated in the sin, making smell the most spiritually pure sense. In a way, the besamim, with their soothing aroma, are a spiritual pick-me-up for our souls.
In the mystical world of Kabbalah, the soothing role of besamim extends to other parts of the Havdalah ceremony too. Take the wine, for example. It’s seen as more than just a drink; it represents Gevurah, the divine symbol of strength and happiness.
So, when you sip the Havdalah wine, you’re actually taking in these positive vibes, helping your spirit cope with the ‘extra soul’ leaving.
The candlelight in the Havdalah ritual has its own special role as well. It’s like a spiritual energy booster, offering comfort and reinforcing your soul’s strength.
History of The Use Of Spices in Havdalah
Besamim’s use in Havdalah has its roots deep in the annals of Jewish history, with its origins tracing back to the Talmudic times. The Talmud, one of the central texts in Jewish tradition, discusses the ritual of smelling fragrant herbs or spices at the end of the Shabbat.
Havdalah Spices in early times
During these early times, the purpose of the besamim was not explicitly discussed but widely acknowledged. The spices were considered to hold a healing power for the soul as it experienced a sense of loss at the end of the Shabbat. This spiritual healing aspect was largely focused on the fragrant herbs or spices’ sensory effect.
Havdalah Spices in the Middle ages
With the emergence of the Kabbalistic tradition in the Middle Ages, the symbolism and therapeutic qualities of the besamim took a more central role in the Havdalah ceremony. Influential Kabbalistic thinkers such as Meir ibn Gabbai expanded on the earlier understandings, giving a more detailed explanation of the besamim’s therapeutic role. The wine and candlelight, too, were recognized for their restorative qualities, aligning with the symbolic nature of the Havdalah ceremony.
The Zohar, another significant work of Jewish mysticism, further elaborated on the therapeutic function of besamim, linking it closely with the soul’s restoration. This text highlighted the necessity of rejuvenating the soul after the Sabbath, aligning it with the Kabbalistic concepts of divine light and energy.
Besamim through the ages
Through the ages, the use of besamim in Havdalah has evolved from a simple ritual act to a profound spiritual practice, enhancing the Jewish understanding of the transition from Shabbat to the start of the new week. The sense of loss at the Sabbath’s end is tempered by the comforting aroma of besamim, marking the cyclical nature of time in Jewish tradition and reinforcing the soul’s resilience.
Reciting the Blessing over Besamim
In the Havdalah ritual, the blessing we recite over the besamim is “Borei Minei Besamim” or “Who creates types of scents”. This special blessing is one of three recited during Havdalah, with the other two given to the wine and the light of the candle. The inclusion of this blessing reflects the importance of besamim in marking the transition between the sacred and the ordinary. Here is the text of this blessing:
In Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי בְשָׂמִים
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam Borei Minei Besamim
In English:
Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe, Who creates varieties of spices.
Creating Your Own Havdalah Spices
Now comes the exciting part – crafting your very own Havdalah besamim! Feel free to make it as personal as you like. Go with a single spice or mix it up with a combination like cloves, cinnamon, and myrtle. According to the Mishnah Berurah, a key work of halacha (Jewish law), any naturally aromatic substance is fine. So, dive in and discover what blend tickles your senses!
Despite the many spice options available, remember that no particular herb or spice holds a sacred status. The preference for cloves in many Jewish homes might simply be because of their potent, enduring aroma and their easy availability in certain regions.
You can also opt for other scents like myrtle or cinnamon. Just remember to stick with natural over synthetic, and keep your Havdalah spices separate to maintain their unique fragrance.
No matter what combination you choose, the blessing stays the same – “Borei Minei Besamim” (Who creates types of scents). This helps avoid any confusion and maintains the unified spiritual goal of this ritual.
The Significance of the Besamim Box
The Besamim box, an essential piece in the Havdalah ritual, carries a special significance. Often intricately designed, these boxes house the aromatic spices used during the ceremony, making them more than just functional objects. They are cherished tokens of tradition and symbols of our rich Jewish heritage.
Typically, the Besamim box is crafted from various materials like silver, wood, or even ceramics, often reflecting the artist’s unique creativity. The box can take any shape – from a simple cylindrical or rectangular form to more complex and artistic designs like miniature towers or animals. These bespoke designs add a touch of personal expression to the ritual.
Inside the box, the chosen besamim are kept, their aroma filling the box, ready to be released during the Havdalah service. In this way, the Besamim box is not just a vessel but an integral part of the Havdalah experience, connecting the senses to the spiritual.
A Besamim box isn’t just an object but a symbolic artifact, underlining the value of this custom in Jewish tradition.
As we conclude Shabbat with the Havdalah ceremony, the use of besamim helps us bid a fragrant farewell to the tranquility of the Sabbath, and welcomes the forthcoming week with renewed vigor and a refreshing aroma.
The very act of blessing and inhaling the besamim in the special spice box brings about a comforting closure to Shabbat, leaving us ready to embrace the days ahead with a positive spirit.
- Shabbat Shalom! The Ultimate Guide To The Jewish Sabbath Holiday
- What Is Shabbat And Shabbat Shalom? All You Need To Know About The Jewish Sabbath
- Havdalah Ceremony: From Shabbat To The New Week
- How to Do Havdalah – Perform The Beautiful Shabbat Ending Ritual
- The Beautiful Havdalah Blessings To End Shabbat In Judaism
- How To Use The Besamim Spices In Havdalah
