Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 255:3-257:4

Hook

As Shabbat's final light dims, a fragrant whisper rises, gently guiding us into the week ahead.

Context

Place

Across the lands of North Africa, the Middle East, and the Iberian diaspora, from Morocco to Yemen, Iraq to Salonica, where Jewish communities have cultivated vibrant spiritual practices for millennia.

Era

The Arukh HaShulchan, penned in the late 19th-early 20th century by Rabbi Yechiel Michel Epstein, synthesizes centuries of Jewish legal tradition from across the globe.

Community

While its author was Ashkenazi, his magnum opus meticulously documents and engages with the rich tapestry of minhagim, including those deeply cherished in Sephardi and Mizrahi communities, particularly around the profound ritual of Havdalah.

Text Snapshot

The Arukh HaShulchan (Orach Chaim 257:1) illuminates a profound tradition regarding besamim (spices) at Havdalah:

"The reason for the blessing over spices in Havdalah is because when Shabbat departs, the additional soul that was given to a person on Shabbat departs from him... Therefore, to comfort one's soul for the departure of the additional soul, we smell fragrant spices." This verse beautifully captures the spiritual depth behind a seemingly simple act, portraying the besamim as a balm to the soul as the holiness of Shabbat recedes.

Minhag/Melody

In many Sephardi and Mizrahi homes, the besamim for Havdalah are a central, cherished element. Often held in ornate silver or brass vessels, sometimes a bundle of fresh myrtle (hadas), they are passed around so everyone present can deeply inhale the comforting aroma. The soulful melodies of Havdalah, especially the piyut "HaMavdil Bein Kodesh L'Chol," linger with the scent, extending Shabbat's spiritual embrace.

Contrast

While Ashkenazi minhag often utilizes a designated spice box, many Sephardi and Mizrahi communities frequently employ a wider variety of spices, including fresh herbs or flowers like jasmine or rose, emphasizing a rich sensory experience. The custom of passing the spices from person to person is also a particularly pronounced and communal aspect of the ceremony.

Home Practice

At your next Havdalah, take a moment to truly savor the besamim. Close your eyes, inhale slowly, and reflect on the ancient idea of comforting your soul as Shabbat's special holiness departs. Let the fragrance be a conscious bridge from sacred time to the week ahead.

Takeaway

Havdalah in Sephardi and Mizrahi tradition is not merely a legal transition but a deeply spiritual, multi-sensory experience. Through cherished minhagim like the fragrant besamim, the ceremony becomes a profound balm for the soul, ensuring Shabbat's blessings resonate throughout the entire week.