- Jewish Laws and Thoughts
- Berachot - Blessings
1) Baruch ata…borei atzei b’samin is made on
nice-smelling inedible substances that grow on trees (e.g.roses).
2) Boruch atah...borei isbei b’samim is made on
nice-smelling inedible substances that grow on the ground (e.g. mint).
3) Boruch atah...borei minei b’samim for
nice-smelling substances which don’t grow on
trees or the ground (e.g. cinnamon). It is also a
"catch-all" Bracha for mixtures & cases of doubt
(Ashkenaz Havdala always uses this Bracha).
4) Boruch atah….borei shemen areiv is a special
Bracha for balsam/balsam oil. As it grows
abundantly in Eretz Yisrael it has a special
status & preference over all other smells, giving it its own Bracha.;
5) Boruch atah…..hanosein reiach tov bapeirot
(e.g. fresh-ground coffee) is a special Bracha
for foods which grow on trees or the ground,
smell nice, & are taken with intent to smell.
There is NO after-bracha (achrona) after smelling.
Hagomel for One Who Became Bar Mitzva after Flight
Rabbi Daniel Mann | Tevet 24 5782
A Sweet Bracha
What Bracha Does One Recite over Chocolate-Covered Raisins?
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Kislev 5768
Flavor and Fragrance
The Bracha on Fragrant Fruits
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | 17 Shvat 5768
It’s About Time - The Bracha of Shehechiyanu
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | 5770
Keeping Kosher - Eating Out
Rabbi David Sperling
May I take a Nice Hot Shower on Yom Tov?
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | 5769
Questions about Simanim on Rosh Hashana
Rabbi Daniel Mann | Elul 22 5776
