The Herbs and Spices(Besamim) of Havdalah

Havdalah is a moment of sacred transition, a bridge between the serene sanctity of Shabbat and the hum of ordinary life. It marks the closing of a sacred time—a final pause to savor the peace, reflection, and rest before stepping back into the flow of the week. This beautiful ritual is a choreography of senses: the glow of a braided candle, the taste of wine, and the fragrant embrace of aromatic herbs and spices. Together, these elements hold the sweetness of Shabbat, reminding us that its essence can linger, like a melody carried in the air, to sustain us through the days ahead.

The spices, known as besamim, are the breath of Havdalah, their aromas awakening the soul and grounding it in the here and now. They carry a magic that is both earthy and otherworldly, bridging the sacred and the mundane. Every herb and spice chosen contributes its unique energy to this ritual, and while the selection may vary, these are among my cherished favorites:

• Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): With its warm, spicy strength, clove anchors us in the glow of Shabbat’s peace. It offers a grounding presence, a fragrant echo of serenity as we take our first steps into the week.
• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Sweet and familiar, cinnamon wraps us in comfort. Its gentle heat carries a promise of sweetness and warmth in the days ahead.
• Myrtle (Myrtus communis): Known as hadas in Hebrew, myrtle connects us to ancient gardens and ancestral blessings. Its soft, green aroma evokes prosperity, peace, and the timeless bridge between the sacred and the worldly.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Sharp and invigorating, rosemary weaves continuity into our week. Its scent reminds us of the light of Shabbat and offers clarity, memory, and the resolve to carry its lessons forward.
• Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis): Clean and crisp, bay leaves bring clarity and hope, encouraging us to enter the week with purpose and renewal.
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Calming and cleansing, lavender soothes the heart, whispering serenity and helping the restful embrace of Shabbat linger in the work ahead.

As the spice box passes from hand to hand, the mingling fragrances become a symphony, reminding us of the wholeness we carry from Shabbat into the world. The mystics teach that the soul receives an extra measure during Shabbat—a glimpse of divine closeness. As this gift gently fades, the spices comfort the spirit, easing the transition with their sweet, grounding magic.

Through this ritual of simple yet profound acts, Havdalah becomes a sacred alchemy. It blends the holiness of Shabbat with the everyday, infusing our lives with its essence so that even as we re-enter the world, we carry the sweetness of rest, reflection, and connection into the week ahead.