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1) One who enters a spice store and smells their pleasurable fragrance, if smelling the "samples" that are displayed at the entrance to the store a Bracha must be recited, as they are placed there for the purpose of smelling for those passing buy to attract them to enter the store to make a purchase. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 217:1 and Mishna Berura S"K 1. We shall discuss which Bracha to recite in the near future iy"H)
Even if one enters the store for a purpose other than to smell or buy spices, if they are smelled even without intention to do so, a Bracha is recited. (Mishna Berura 217:2. See Kaf HaChaim 217:2 where he writes that if one is in such a situation it is best to specifically have in mind to want to enjoy the smell.)
However, if one smells the spices that are in their closed containers/boxes, or if one smells the aroma of the spices from the back room or the storage room, no Bracha is recited as in this state they are meant for selling/trade and not for smelling. (Mishna Berura 217:1)
2) The aforementioned is only if one smells it unintentionally, then we say that since it wasn’t meant to be smelled no Bracha is required. However, if one picks up the closed container/box with the intention to smell it, it is then considered as meant to be smelled and a Bracha will indeed be required. (Ruling of the Mishna Berura ibid. The Chazon Ish Orach Chaim Siman 35:1 argues and maintains that if it is intended for sale, even when it is picked up and smelled no Bracha is required. See also Aruch HaShulchan Siman 216:6)
Similarly if the owner of the store hands over a sample to smell, a Bracha will be required. (See Sha’ar HaTzion 217:1)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) A Bracha may only be recited on pleasant smells from which it is permitted to derive pleasure.
Therefore if the pleasant smelling item is from Avoda Zara (e.g. incense used in the worshipping of idols, something which is not very prevalent today as we hardly have any real Avoda Zara) or perfume/cologne on a member of the opposite gender that is prohibited to you, it is forbidden to smell them at all and certainly no Bracha is recited over them. (Shulchan Aruch 217:4 and 5. See also Mishna Berura Siman 217:16 -19. See Shu"t Ohr L’tzion Perek 14:39 regarding perfume that is often worn by a woman that is prohibited to you, while still in the bottle if it is prohibited to smell. See also Pischei Teshuva Yoreh Deah Siman 195:1 where he rules stringently. We shall B’Ezras Hashem discuss which perfumes/colognes may require a Bracha and when in the near future) 2) A pleasant smelling food item which isn’t kosher, but is designated for smelling, may be smelled a Bracha may be recited over it.
However, if it is designated for eating, it may not be smelled lest one come to eat it. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 216:2 and Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil HaMusak)
Chametz on Pesach may not be smelled. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 443:1 and Biur Halacha)
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Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren’t my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
If someone passes gas in the room while you are learning, are you allowed to hold your nose and continue learning [as you aren’t allowed to learn, daven etc. in a place where there is a foul odor]?
Answer:
If someone else passes gas, there is no prohibition to continue learning while the smell is there, only davening, Krias Shema would be a problem. (as since this smell does not have any tangible substance, it is only rabbinically prohibited, and for Bitul Torah they did not make the prohibition)
The person himself who passes the gas, however, must cease to learn or even think in learning until the odor is gone. (See Mishna Berura Siman 79:30)
For other smells with tangible substance (such as a dirty diaper etc.) it would be prohibited to learn within 4 amos of the smell, even if you are holding your nose.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
