Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 212:4-213:4

Shalom, my friend! Welcome to a little journey into the heart of Jewish wisdom. Think of me as your friendly guide, here to help you discover some beautiful insights that can truly brighten your everyday. No fancy degrees needed, just an open mind and a willingness to explore! Let's dive in.

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Hook

Ever feel like life is just one big blur? You wake up, rush through your morning, maybe grab a coffee, check emails, head out the door, and suddenly it's evening. You’ve been present for all these moments, technically, but were you truly there? Did you notice the warm steam from your mug, the crisp air on your face, the smell of freshly cut grass, or the subtle fragrance of your soap? So often, we glide through our days on autopilot, letting the small, beautiful details—the ones that could add a little sparkle to our lives—just pass us by. It's like walking through a magnificent garden but keeping your eyes glued to your phone; you're in the garden, but you're missing all the roses, the buzzing bees, the vibrant colors, and especially, the delightful aromas.

The truth is, our modern lives are incredibly fast-paced, constantly pulling our attention in a million directions. We’re trained to optimize, to multitask, to look for the next thing. And while efficiency has its place, it can inadvertently rob us of the richness of the present moment. We might check off our to-do list, but at what cost to our sense of wonder, our gratitude, or our sheer enjoyment of being alive? Imagine if you could just hit a "pause" button, even for a few seconds, and truly soak in a delightful sensation. What if there was a simple, ancient practice that could train your mind to do just that, transforming ordinary moments into tiny pockets of profound connection and appreciation?

Well, get ready, because Jewish tradition has a fantastic tool for this very challenge. It’s not about grand gestures or complicated rituals, but about infusing the mundane with meaning, about taking those fleeting, often-ignored sensory experiences and elevating them into moments of gratitude and awareness. Today, we're going to explore how a truly unique kind of blessing, one focused entirely on the sense of smell, can help us rediscover the hidden beauty in our daily lives. It's a practice that encourages us to slow down, breathe in, and acknowledge the pure, unadulterated pleasure that the world offers us, often right under our noses. So, let’s peel back the layers and discover how a whiff of something wonderful can become a powerful gateway to mindfulness and appreciation.

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Context

To understand our text today, let's set the stage a bit. Think of it like getting to know the author and the book before you dive into a specific chapter.

• Who: Our main guide today is Rabbi Yechiel Michel Epstein (1829–1908), a brilliant Jewish scholar who lived in Lithuania. He wasn't just a "head in the books" kind of guy; he was a communal leader, a rabbi, and someone deeply committed to making Jewish practice accessible and meaningful for everyone in his generation. He lived during a time of great change, when old traditions were facing new challenges, and people needed clear, practical guidance more than ever. His masterpiece, the Arukh HaShulchan, was his way of providing exactly that—a comprehensive, yet understandable, guide to Jewish law for everyday life. He wanted to show how the rich tapestry of Jewish tradition could still be lived vibrantly in a modernizing world, making sure that no one felt left behind or overwhelmed by complexity. He had a pastoral heart, always seeking to explain the why alongside the what, ensuring that the spirit of the law was as clear as its letter.

• When and Where: Rabbi Epstein wrote the Arukh HaShulchan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Lithuania, a vibrant center of Jewish learning at the time. Imagine a world without internet or easy travel, where scholars meticulously studied ancient texts and tried to apply them to the daily lives of their communities. He was looking back at centuries of Jewish legal thought, from the Talmud (an ancient collection of Jewish law and lore) to the Shulchan Aruch (a foundational 16th-century code of Jewish law), and then bringing it all forward, explaining it in a way that resonated with his contemporaries. He didn't just copy; he synthesized, clarified, and often added his own insights, drawing upon his vast knowledge and deep understanding of Jewish tradition. He was essentially creating a bridge between the ancient wisdom and the modern Jew, making the intricate world of Jewish law approachable and relevant.

• What: The Arukh HaShulchan itself is a comprehensive code of Jewish law. It's organized into four main sections, mirroring an earlier famous code called the Shulchan Aruch (which literally means "Set Table" – implying everything you need for Jewish living is laid out for you). Today, we're looking at a piece from the first section, called Orach Chaim. This part of the code deals with Jewish law related to daily life, including prayers, blessings, Shabbat, and holidays. It's the "how-to" guide for your regular routine, from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep, and all the special moments in between. Other sections cover areas like dietary laws, marriage, and civil law, but Orach Chaim is truly about bringing Jewish living into the fabric of your everyday existence. It ensures that spirituality isn't just for big holidays or synagogue, but for every single breath and action.

• Key Term: Our key term for today is Berachah (pronounced beh-rah-KHAH; plural: Berachot, beh-rah-KHOT). This simply means "a short Jewish prayer of thanks." That's it! These aren't long, complicated sermons. They are concise, powerful statements acknowledging God as the source of all good things. Think of them as tiny, spiritual "thank you notes" that we say before or after experiencing something wonderful. Blessings are a cornerstone of Jewish life, transforming ordinary acts like eating, drinking, or even seeing a rainbow, into moments of deep gratitude and connection. They train us to pause, observe, and appreciate the endless gifts around us. They are a way of saying, "Hey, this isn't just a random occurrence; there's a Divine hand behind this beauty and bounty." They pull us out of auto-pilot and into a moment of intentional recognition, reminding us that even the simplest pleasures are gifts.

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Text Snapshot

Here’s a glimpse of what Rabbi Epstein, in his Arukh HaShulchan, says about blessings over pleasant scents, specifically from Orach Chaim 212:4-213:4. Don't worry about the Hebrew; I'll give you the gist!

"One who smells a pleasant scent from a tree that gives off scent... says: 'Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who creates fragrant trees.' If the scent is from herbs or spices... one says: 'Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who creates fragrant herbs.' And if it is a fragrance that does not grow from the ground, like musk, or a scented oil... one says: 'Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who creates various kinds of spices.' If one is unsure, it is better to say the more general blessing: 'Who creates various kinds of spices.'"

(Sefaria URL: https://www.sefaria.org/Arukh_HaShulchan%2C_Orach_Chaim_212:4-213:4)

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Close Reading

Let's unpack these fascinating lines from Rabbi Epstein. At first glance, it might seem like a detailed rulebook for smells, but beneath the surface, there are profound insights about how we can live more mindfully and gratefully.

Insight 1: The Power of Scent as a Spiritual Tool

The very idea of saying a blessing over a scent is quite remarkable, isn't it? We say blessings before we eat, before we perform a mitzvah (a good deed), after going to the bathroom, or when we see a rainbow. But a smell? Rabbi Epstein's meticulous discussion about blessings for scents highlights a deep understanding within Jewish tradition about the unique power of this sense.

Why is scent so special? Think about it: our sense of smell is incredibly primal and immediate. It bypasses our intellect in many ways, going straight to our emotions and memories. A particular perfume might instantly transport you back to your grandmother's house, or the smell of rain on hot pavement might bring a wave of calm. Unlike taste, which requires consumption, or sight, which can be fleeting, a scent can linger in the air, inviting a moment of pure, non-utilitarian pleasure. We don't consume a smell; we simply experience it. This makes it a perfect candidate for a blessing – a moment of pure, unadulterated gratitude for something beautiful and ephemeral.

Let's consider a few examples to really grasp this. Example 1: The Comfort of Familiar Scents. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked challah (a braided bread) on a Friday afternoon, or the distinct scent of a pine forest on a crisp autumn day. These aren't just smells; they evoke feelings, memories, a sense of belonging or peace. When we pause to acknowledge these, we're not just registering a chemical compound; we're embracing the entire experience it represents. Jewish tradition, and Rabbi Epstein in particular, is teaching us that these moments of sensory delight are not trivial; they are opportunities for spiritual connection. They are direct messages from the Divine, inviting us to stop and appreciate the sheer artistry of creation.

Example 2: Havdalah and the Besamim. There's a beautiful Jewish ritual called Havdalah (meaning "separation"), which marks the end of Shabbat (the Sabbath) and the beginning of the new week. As part of this ceremony, we pass around a box of sweet-smelling spices, called besamim (buh-sah-MEEM). We inhale their fragrance, often with a special blessing. Why? The mystics explain that during Shabbat, we receive an extra soul, or an elevated spiritual state. When Shabbat departs, that extra soul leaves, and the sweet spices are meant to revive and comfort our souls, easing the transition back into the regular week. Rabbi Epstein's detailed discussion of scent blessings is building on this ancient understanding. It shows that smells aren't just pleasant; they have the power to soothe, to uplift, and to connect us to deeper spiritual realities. It’s not just about what smells good; it’s about what smells holy.

Some might argue, "Isn't this a bit superficial? Shouldn't we be focusing on deeper spiritual pursuits like prayer or Torah study?" That's a valid question. However, Jewish thought, from the Talmud (Berachot 43b) onward, emphasizes that God created a world rich with sensory experiences, and we are meant to enjoy them. In fact, the Talmud states that a person who has the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant scent and refrains from doing so is "sinful" – not in a grave way, but in the sense of rejecting a gift from God. The point isn't to replace deep study, but to infuse all of life with a sense of the sacred. The mundane is not separate from the holy; it is a pathway to the holy. Rabbi Epstein, by meticulously detailing these blessings, is reminding us that our physical senses are not just for basic survival, but are profound tools for spiritual engagement, for experiencing God's presence in the everyday. It encourages us to be fully present, using all our faculties to appreciate the world around us.

The implication here is profound: by consciously acknowledging pleasant scents, we train ourselves to be more present, more grateful, and more aware of the subtle beauty that permeates our existence. It’s a powerful lesson in finding holiness in the ordinary, in transforming a simple inhalation into a moment of spiritual connection.

Insight 2: Differentiating Blessings – Precision in Appreciation

One of the most striking aspects of Rabbi Epstein's text is the meticulous detail with which he distinguishes between different types of scents and their corresponding blessings. He doesn't just give one blessing for all good smells. Instead, he instructs us to say:

• "Blessed... Who creates fragrant trees" for scents from trees (like rosemary, cinnamon bark, cedar).
• "Blessed... Who creates fragrant herbs" for scents from herbs or spices (like mint, basil, cloves).
• "Blessed... Who creates various kinds of spices" for scents that don't grow directly from the ground in their final form, such as musk, scented oils, perfumes, or even a rose placed in water to give it fragrance.

Why such precision? Isn't it a bit obsessive to have different blessings for a tree versus an herb, or something manufactured versus natural? This isn't about bureaucracy or making things complicated; it's about cultivating a profound level of mindful observation and specific gratitude.

Let's use an analogy. Example 1: The Generic vs. Specific Thank You. Imagine someone gives you a wonderful gift. You could just say, "Thanks for the gift." That's nice, but it's generic. Now imagine you say, "Thank you so much for this beautiful, hand-knit scarf. I love the color, and it's so soft! You must have spent hours making it." The second thank you is far more heartfelt and meaningful. It shows you truly saw the gift, understood its origin, and appreciated the effort behind it. Similarly, when we say a specific blessing, we are acknowledging the precise way God brought that particular delight into being. We're not just saying "thanks for nice smells"; we're saying "thanks for this tree that produces such a lovely aroma," or "thanks for this herb that blesses us with its fragrance."

Example 2: Understanding the Source. Consider the difference between a wild apple growing on a tree, an apple pie made from those apples, and an apple-scented candle. Each provides pleasure, but their origins are distinct. The wild apple is a direct gift from nature. The apple pie involves human effort and transformation. The candle is entirely manufactured, though inspired by nature. Each step along this chain of creation deserves specific recognition. Rabbi Epstein, drawing on ancient Jewish legal principles, is teaching us to trace the source of our blessings. Is this fragrance a direct, natural emanation from a living plant rooted in the earth (tree/herb)? Or is it a product of human ingenuity, mixing, or refining, even if its components started in nature (various kinds of spices)? This distinction trains our minds to be more discerning, more appreciative of the nuances of creation and the different ways that beauty manifests in the world.

Some might counter, "Does God really care if I get the exact blessing right? Isn't the intention to be grateful enough?" Again, a fair point. However, the purpose of these detailed blessings isn't primarily for God's benefit (God doesn't need our blessings). It's for our benefit. It trains us to be attentive, to observe the world with precision, and to deepen our gratitude by understanding the specific nature of what we are appreciating. It sharpens our awareness, making us active participants in the act of blessing rather than passive reciters of words. This meticulousness prevents our gratitude from becoming generic and thoughtless. It forces us to slow down, identify the source, and then articulate our thanks with specificity.

This tradition of precise blessings goes back to the Mishnah and Talmud, ancient foundational texts of Jewish law. Rabbi Epstein, in the Arukh HaShulchan, is not inventing these categories but is clarifying and codifying centuries of discussion, making them practical for his readers. He's showing us how to apply this ancient wisdom in a nuanced world, making the act of blessing an intellectual and spiritual exercise in recognizing God's intricate artistry.

The implication here is that genuine appreciation isn't vague; it's specific. By recognizing the precise origin of a pleasant scent, we cultivate a deeper, more informed sense of gratitude. We learn to see the world not as a undifferentiated mass, but as a rich tapestry of distinct wonders, each deserving its own unique acknowledgment.

Insight 3: Intent (Kavanah) and the Act of Blessing

While Rabbi Epstein's text here is primarily focused on the words of the blessings, there's an underlying principle that permeates all Jewish spiritual practice: Kavanah. This beautiful Hebrew word means "focus" or "intention," especially in prayer or spiritual acts. It's the difference between merely saying words and truly meaning them. The act of blessing a scent, as described by Rabbi Epstein, implicitly demands Kavanah.

What does Kavanah look like in practice for a blessing over a scent? It's not just about reciting the Hebrew words. It’s about the full experience: Example 1: Engaging Mind and Senses. Imagine smelling a fresh rose. Without Kavanah, you might just get a whiff and mumble a blessing. With Kavanah, you would intentionally stop, bring the rose closer, inhale slowly and deeply, allowing the fragrance to truly register. You would close your eyes for a moment, letting the scent fill your senses. Then, with that full sensory experience vividly in mind, you would articulate the blessing, truly connecting the words to the wonder you are experiencing. The words become an outward expression of an inner feeling of awe and gratitude. It’s about being fully present in that micro-moment.

Example 2: Beyond the Words. Think about giving a heartfelt compliment. It's not just the words "You look nice" that matter, but the genuine smile, the eye contact, the sincerity behind them. The words are the vehicle, but the intention is the fuel. Similarly, with blessings, while the correct formula is important, the inner attitude of gratitude and recognition of God as the source is paramount. Rabbi Epstein, in other parts of the Arukh HaShulchan and Jewish law generally, frequently discusses the importance of Kavanah. He knows that Jewish practice isn't just about rote performance, but about infusing actions with meaning.

A crucial point Rabbi Epstein touches upon in our text (213:2-3) is what to do if one is unsure which blessing to say or if one is even required. He advises, "If one is unsure, it is better to say the more general blessing: 'Who creates various kinds of spices.'" This instruction, while seemingly practical, reveals a deeper insight into the role of intention and the compassionate nature of Jewish law. It acknowledges that humans are fallible; we might not always know the exact classification of a plant, or we might forget the precise wording. But even in doubt, the act of blessing, even a general one, is encouraged. This demonstrates that the commitment to acknowledge and express gratitude is valued, even if the execution isn't perfect. The desire to connect, the Kavanah to bless, is what drives the action.

Some might wonder, "What if I don't 'feel' it? What if I'm distracted or just going through the motions?" This is a common challenge in any spiritual practice. The text implies that while the ideal is a full, heartfelt experience, the act itself is also important. Often, the feeling follows the action. By committing to the practice of blessing, even when our minds are wandering, we are training ourselves. Over time, with consistent effort, the moments of true Kavanah will become more frequent and profound. It's a journey, not a destination. Rabbi Epstein's leniency for doubt is a testament to this understanding: the effort to connect, even imperfectly, is always worthwhile. He's not just providing rules, but a framework for thoughtful, human-centered spiritual engagement.

The implication here is that Jewish practice is not merely mechanical. It calls for our full presence and intention. By consciously bringing our minds and hearts to the act of blessing a scent, we transform a simple sensory experience into a meditative moment, a direct connection to the Divine. It’s a powerful lesson in making every moment count, in cultivating a deep sense of presence and purpose in our daily lives.

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Apply It

Okay, so we've delved into the deep wisdom of Rabbi Epstein and the power of scent blessings. Now, how can we bring this ancient wisdom into our busy, modern lives? Here's a tiny, doable practice you can try this week, taking less than 60 seconds a day. The goal isn't perfection, but presence.

The Scented Moment Practice: Your Daily Pause

This practice is designed to help you hit that "pause" button we talked about, using the power of scent to anchor you in the present moment and cultivate gratitude.

1. Preparation (Optional, 10 seconds):

   • You don't need anything special, but if you want to be intentional, pick something with a pleasant smell: a fresh herb (like a sprig of mint or rosemary), a slice of citrus (lemon, orange), a flower from your garden or a bouquet, a dab of essential oil on your wrist, or even just your morning cup of coffee or tea.
   • The beauty of this practice is that you can also use scents you encounter naturally throughout your day! Don't feel you have to go hunting for something. The goal is to notice what's already there.

2. The Pause (5-10 seconds):

   • Stop what you're doing. Seriously, just press pause. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and a slow exhale through your mouth.
   • Become aware of your surroundings. Notice the sounds, the light, the feeling of your feet on the ground. This simple act of pausing already breaks the autopilot cycle.

3. Engage the Sense (15-20 seconds):

   • If you have your chosen object, bring it closer. If you're noticing a natural scent, lean in or simply open your awareness to it.
   • Inhale deeply, slowly, and mindfully. Really notice the scent. Don't just smell it; experience it.
   • What are its qualities? Is it sweet, earthy, pungent, fresh, warm, spicy? Does it evoke any memories or feelings? Allow yourself to fully immerse in that sensory experience. This is where the magic happens – moving from "smelling" to "truly experiencing."

4. The Blessing (5-10 seconds):

   • If you feel comfortable, say (or think) a blessing.
   • For Beginners: You can use a general English phrase if the Hebrew feels daunting. Something like: "Thank You, God, for this beautiful smell." Or even just, "Wow, thank you for this!" The intention is what counts most when you're starting out.
   • If you want to try the Hebrew: Remember Rabbi Epstein's distinctions.
     • For a scent from a tree (like rosemary, cedar, pine): Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, Borei Atzei Besamim. (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who creates fragrant trees.)
     • For a scent from an herb or spice (like mint, basil, cloves): Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, Borei Isvei Besamim. (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who creates fragrant herbs.)
     • For a mixed fragrance (like perfume, essential oil blends, scented candles, or anything not directly from a growing plant): Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, Borei Minei Besamim. (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who creates various kinds of spices/fragrances.)
   • Don't worry about getting it "perfect." The effort and the intention to connect are what matter. This is a personal practice.

5. Reflect (10-15 seconds):

   • Hold the feeling of gratitude for a moment. Notice any shift in your perspective. You've just taken a fleeting moment and transformed it into a sacred one, a tiny pocket of presence and appreciation.
   • Observe how this small act can subtly change your mood, bringing a sense of calm or joy.

Why this practice?

This isn't just a "mindfulness hack"; it's deeply rooted in the Jewish values of hoda'ah (gratitude) and kedushah (holiness in the mundane). It helps us:

• Cultivate Presence: In a world of distractions, it forces us to be fully here, now.
• Increase Gratitude: It trains us to notice and appreciate the small, often-overlooked blessings that surround us.
• Connect Spiritually: It uses our physical senses as a pathway to acknowledge the Divine source of beauty and pleasure.
• Reduce Stress: Even a few seconds of focused, grateful awareness can interrupt anxious thoughts and bring a sense of peace.

Making it Accessible – Multiple Scenarios:

• Your Morning Ritual: As you brew your coffee or tea, pause for 30 seconds. Inhale the rich aroma. Say (or think), "Thank You for this beautiful smell."
• Out in Nature: Walking in a park, notice a blooming flower, a freshly watered lawn, or even the smell after rain. Stop, inhale, and appreciate.
• Cooking: When chopping fresh herbs, or smelling spices, take a moment to savor their fragrance before you add them to your dish.
• At Home: Light a scented candle, diffuse an essential oil, or even just notice the clean scent of fresh laundry. Use it as an anchor for a moment of gratitude.

Troubleshooting: Common Questions

• "What if I don't smell anything strong?" That's okay! The practice is about trying to notice, about the intention to engage your senses. Even a faint scent can be a trigger for a moment of presence. And sometimes, the act of looking for a scent makes you more aware of other sensations.
• "What if I forget the Hebrew blessing?" No problem at all! As mentioned, "Thank You, God, for this beautiful smell" or even just a heartfelt "Wow!" is perfectly acceptable. The spirit of the blessing is more important than perfect recitation, especially when you're starting out.
• "What if I feel silly?" That's a natural feeling when trying something new and intentional. Remember, this is a personal practice for your benefit. There's no performance pressure. Over time, as you experience the subtle shifts in your perspective, any initial awkwardness will likely fade.
• "Do I have to do this every day?" No, not at all. Start with once or twice a week. The idea is to gently weave it into your life, not to add another item to your "to-do" list. Consistency, even infrequent, is more valuable than intense but short-lived efforts.

By dedicating just a few moments each day to this simple practice, you'll begin to transform your ordinary routine into a series of mindful, grateful encounters, connecting you more deeply to the world and to a sense of the sacred.

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Chevruta Mini

Now, let's turn this into a little conversation, just like we're learning together. In Jewish tradition, learning with a friend, called chevruta (khev-ROO-tah), is a cherished way to deepen understanding. Grab a friend, a family member, or even just ponder these questions yourself. There are no right or wrong answers, just an invitation to explore.

Discussion Question 1: Your Unsung Scents

"Thinking about your daily routine, what's a pleasant scent you often encounter but usually take for granted? How might pausing to acknowledge it, even just for a moment, change that experience for you?"

Let's break this down a bit. We're all surrounded by wonderful smells, but because they're so common, we often don't even register them. Maybe it's the smell of your morning coffee or tea brewing, a particular flower you walk past on your way to work, the unique scent of your home, the aroma of a meal being cooked, or even the clean smell of fresh laundry. These are the "unsung heroes" of our olfactory experience.

Take a moment to truly reflect on one of these. When you breathe it in, what does it evoke for you? Does it bring a sense of comfort, energy, nostalgia, or peace? Now, imagine actively pausing, even for just a few seconds, to truly notice that smell. Perhaps you close your eyes, take a deep breath, and allow yourself to fully appreciate it. How might that small act – that tiny "pause" button – shift your experience of that moment? Would it make you feel more present? More grateful? Less rushed? Would it add a little spark of joy or calm to what might otherwise be just another fleeting moment in your day? This question is an invitation to explore how simple awareness can transform the mundane into something truly special.

Discussion Question 2: The Wisdom of Specificity

"The Arukh HaShulchan emphasizes precise blessings for different scent sources (trees, herbs, mixtures). What do you think is the deeper message behind this meticulousness? How does it relate to how we appreciate things in our lives, beyond just smells?"

Rabbi Epstein, following ancient tradition, didn't just give us one generic "thank you for smells." He carefully distinguished: trees, herbs, and mixtures. This level of detail might seem a bit overly specific at first glance. But as we discussed in our close reading, there's profound wisdom in this approach.

What do you think that deeper message is? Is it about following rules perfectly, or is it about something more? Consider what happens when we pay close attention to the source of something good. Does it enhance our appreciation? For example, think about receiving a gift. You could just be happy to get a gift. But if you know that someone handcrafted it specifically for you, or that they went out of their way to find something that perfectly suited your taste, doesn't your gratitude deepen? You're not just thankful for the item; you're thankful for the thought, the effort, the specific origin.

How does this relate to other areas of our lives? When we appreciate a beautiful piece of music, do we acknowledge the composer, the musicians, the instrument maker? When we enjoy a delicious meal, do we think about the farmer who grew the ingredients, the chef who prepared it, the person who served it? This meticulousness, this specificity in our blessings, trains us to see the intricate web of creation and the diverse ways that goodness comes into the world. It pushes us beyond generic gratitude towards a more discerning, heartfelt, and ultimately, richer appreciation for everything around us. What do you gain by being specific in your appreciation, rather than general?

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Takeaway

Remember this: Jewish blessings help us press pause, truly notice the world's beauty, and feel a deeper connection to it, one delightful scent at a time.