Besamim: Heavenly Spice

Besamim: Heavenly Spice

Lighting / Commercial / Portrait

When Shabbat ends, a bittersweet moment arrives. The world feels a little dimmer, a little less peaceful as we return to our weekday grind. But in that moment, Havdalah (Jewish ritual to transition from Shabbat to the week) offers us a sensory send-off of sight, sound, taste, touch… and smell. That’s where besamim come in.

You’ve probably smelled them before; cloves, cinnamon, maybe a blend of herbs and spices stored in a silver or wooden box passed around after the candle is extinguished. But have you ever really seen them?

As a Jewish teen growing in both faith and creativity, besamim can be your next photo subject and your next spiritual inspiration.

Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who creates various kinds of spices.

In Jewish tradition, the sense of smell is deeply spiritual. The Talmud teaches that when Shabbat departs, our neshama yetera, our “extra soul”, leaves us. To comfort us, we breathe in something beautiful: besamim. It’s more than aroma—it’s soul therapy.

Smell reaches us in a way no other sense can. It bypasses logic and lands straight in memory and emotion. Think about how one whiff can transport you to campfire Havdalahs, Shabbat dinners, or a moment you felt connected to something greater. That’s what besamim are meant to do, pull you back to your center.

Besamim is more than a spice blend—it’s a message: Don’t let the magic of Shabbat fade. Hold on to it. Breathe it in. Let it linger.

As you capture that moment through photography, you’re doing something sacred. You’re reminding yourself and others that spirituality isn’t just about study—it’s about experience, memory, and presence.

So the next time Havdalah comes around, don’t just pass the spice box—snap it. Smell it. Share it.

CHALLENGE

Capture a moment of light and share it with the world

Capturing besamim on camera is a challenge and an opportunity. Unlike candles or wine, they don’t glow or shimmer. They ask us to photograph what can’t be seen: scent, memory, longing.

Try these ideas:

  • Macro shots of spice textures—wrinkled clove buds, curled cinnamon sticks, rosemary needles.

  • Action shots of hands lifting the spice box, eyes closed in deep breath.

  • Still lifes combining besamim, Havdalah candles, and kiddush cups in low light.

  • Behind the scenes: Document your own preparation of the spices—grinding, mixing, choosing.

Each photo tells a story of transition, presence, and tradition.

Jewish rituals aren’t frozen in time—they’re living, breathing, evolving. As a teen artist, you’re part of that evolution. Your camera is not just a tool for expression—it’s a vessel for holiness.

Post your besamim photo series with a question:
👉 “What does this scent remind you of?”
👉 “What tradition helps you feel grounded after a spiritual high?”

Encourage your followers to comment or share. Make besamim go viral—not just for aesthetics, but for meaning.

COMPLETED: 2025
PHOTOGRAPHER: Eliezer Jones
CAMERA/LENS: Sony A7r w/ Sony FE 4/70-200 Macro G OSS II