עברית
Halachot and Customs
I was left without besamim for Havdalah. What should I do?
Question
After leaving synagogue, I realized there were no besamim to recite a blessing over during Havdalah. In the end, I blessed only over the fire and the wine. Did I do the right thing, and if not, what is the halacha going forward? Thank you.
Answer
Hello, You acted properly, because the halacha is that if besamim are available, one should recite a blessing over them during Havdalah. If there are no besamim available, there is no need to search for them; rather, one makes Havdalah without besamim (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 297:1).
Best regards, Hillel Meirs
