Blessings On Fragrances, part 3 vol.2 no.14

As we have been discussing in these past few issues, one must recite a blessing prior to deriving pleasure from pleasant fragrances. In this concluding issue, we will address some of the remaining criteria governing these blessings.

1. Yesh Lo Ikar - To qualify for a blessing the aroma must be eminating from its original source. If this is not the case, even if the aroma can be detected in the air or in some secondary source, no brocha is recited. For example, if after holding an esrog one detects an "esrog -smell" in his hands, no brocha would be recited when smelling his fragrant hands. Similarly, no brocha is said if one smells an empty spice container or besamim box.
2. Na'aseh LeHori'ach - The fragrance must be intended to have a positive aromatic effect. If the fragance is used merely to counter foul odors, no brocha is recited. The Aruch Hashulchan writes that it is for this reason that no brocha is said when smelling the smoke of an aromatic pipe or cigar. The fragrances are added only to offset the foul smelling tobbaco and therefore deserve no brocha . Similarly, when passing a spice factory no brocha is recited. The aromatic vapors eminating from within the factory are not regarded as being produced for the sake of their pleasant smell as they are merely by-products of the production process.

Note: The appropriate brocha to be recited prior to smelling a flower depends on the type of plant on which the flower grows. If the flower grows on a tree or bush, the brocha is "...borei atzei b'somim ". For purposes of this brocha, "atzei " - literally, trees - includes any plant having a hard, wood-like stem or which lasts throughout the year. The brocha recited over soft-stemmed flowers is "...borei isvei b'somim ". If one is in doubt as to the nature of the plant, a "...borei minei b'somim " should be said.

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