Blessing on the Fragrance of Spices
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Question
Hello Rabbi, I read that there is a disagreement about whether to bless the fragrance of spices (such as oregano and cumin...) because they are not made for fragrance (except for some spices like cloves and cinnamon, which are commonly used both as spices and for fragrance). It is said that it is better not to bless, and one who wants to bless should say 'Borei Minei Besamim', provided he took it in his hand to smell. Did I understand correctly? My question is also what is defined as spices? Can it be any herb or dried flower that is sometimes put in food? Is it preferable to avoid, for example, blessing the fragrance of dried rosemary leaves, thyme, or ground rose petals? Or are we talking about spices that are more commonly used in food? Thank you very much in advance.
Answer
Hello,
Let's clarify the disagreement.
There is a disagreement between the Mishnah Berurah and the Chazon Ish regarding an item with a good fragrance, purchased for eating or similar purposes, and now the person takes it in his hands to smell it. According to the Mishnah Berurah, this is considered an item intended for fragrance, and one must bless. According to the Chazon Ish, since the item was not originally prepared for fragrance, no blessing is recited.
Based on this definition, it can be understood that what matters is not the type of herb or plant, but the purpose of the purchase for this particular person. If he bought it for fragrance - he blesses according to all opinions. If he bought it for eating or other purposes - the blessing depends on the disagreement.
Source
Biur Halacha, Siman 216, Seif 2, Dibur HaMatchil "K'she-natlo".
Chazon Ish, Orach Chaim, Siman 35