#179: Besamim (Part 4)

Rabbi Eli Ozarowski
  1. One who cannot smell should not recite the berachah on besamim, as it may be a berachah in vain (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 297:5). If the one reciting the berachah is unsure whether he or she will be able to smell the spices (i.e., one with a minor cold), it is permitted to smell the spices before reciting the berachah to test the sense of smell. The same is true if one is unsure whether the besamim still retain fragrance (Kaf Hachaim 216:3; “The Radiance of Shabbos,” p.132).
  2. If the one reciting Havdalah on behalf of others cannot smell properly, they should not recite the berachah. Rather, one of the other household members should recite the berachah on behalf of everyone (Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah 61:5). Alternatively, some Sephardic poskim suggest that each person recite the berachah themselves after the rest of the Havdalah ceremony is complete (Yalkut Yosef).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.