עברית
Prayer and Blessings
Is It Permissible to Bless a Scent During Havdalah?
Question
Hello, am I allowed to bless a scent during Havdalah if I don't have any spices? This has happened to me a few times, and I have blessed "Borei Minei Besamim."
I would appreciate an answer, thank you!
Answer
Greetings,
If the scent is derived from plant extracts or the like, and is intended to produce a pleasant aroma, you may bless it with Borei Minei Besamim. However, if it is made from synthetic materials, you should not bless it (see Halacha Berurah, Siman 672, Section 26).
A scent meant for eliminating bad odors, such as deodorants or air fresheners for bathrooms, cannot be blessed with Borei Minei Besamim (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 672, Section 2).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
