Besamim, the fragrant spices smelled during havdalah, bring a comforting close to Shabbos as the extra spiritual elevation of the day departs into the new week. At Eichlers, we carry besamim boxes in silver and decorative designs along with quality spice blends, suited to weekly use and as meaningful gifts for a new home.
During havdalah, a blessing is recited over fragrant spices and the spices are then smelled before the cup of wine and the candle are addressed. The custom is widely understood as a comfort for the soul, since the neshama yeseira, the additional measure of spiritual elevation present during Shabbos, departs as the day ends, and the pleasant fragrance of besamim is said to console and uplift the spirit during this moment of transition back into the ordinary week.
Silver besamim boxes are crafted in a wide range of decorative forms, with traditional designs often shaped like miniature towers reminiscent of historical spice containers, while others take the form of fruits, flowers, or other ornamental shapes that have become customary in different communities over the centuries. A well-made besamim box includes small perforations or an open lattice top that allows the fragrance to escape and be smelled easily without spilling the spices inside when the box is passed around the table.
Traditional besamim spices include cloves, though many households today use specially prepared havdalah spice blends combining several aromatic spices and herbs designed specifically for this purpose. These blends are formulated to provide a pleasant, long-lasting fragrance well suited to the besamim box and the weekly havdalah ritual. Keeping a fresh supply on hand ensures the besamim remains fragrant and meaningful each week rather than fading after repeated use.
Consider both the size of the openings and how the box will be filled and refilled when choosing a design. A box with a removable top or hinged lid makes refilling spices simple, while smaller perforations help contain the spices securely during use and when the box is passed from person to person at the table. Many families choose a besamim box that coordinates with their other havdalah pieces, the candle holder and cup, for a complete and visually unified set.
While besamim boxes are available individually, many families prefer purchasing a complete havdalah set that includes a matching cup, candle holder, and besamim box together. This creates a more polished, coordinated presentation for the weekly ritual and keeps every piece needed for havdalah gathered in one place. Browse our full havdalah sets collection for complete coordinated options.
A beautifully crafted besamim box is a meaningful and somewhat distinctive gift, particularly appreciated by those who value the weekly havdalah ritual and want a piece that reflects genuine care and craftsmanship. It makes a thoughtful addition to a wedding gift alongside other Shabbos silver, or a meaningful gift on its own for a family establishing their own havdalah traditions. Browse our full wedding gifts and Judaica collection for more meaningful pieces to pair with a besamim box.
Empty and clean the box periodically to keep the spice fragrance fresh and prevent old spice residue from building up inside the perforations or lattice work. Polish silver pieces with a polish formulated for sterling or plated silver, taking particular care around any decorative openings where polish can collect and become difficult to fully remove.
Besamim is one part of the complete havdalah ritual. Eichlers carries everything else you need for the close of Shabbos.
The fragrance of besamim is traditionally understood as a comfort for the soul as the neshama yeseira, the additional spiritual elevation of Shabbos, departs at the close of the day, easing the transition back into the ordinary week.
Cloves are a traditional choice, though many households today use specially prepared havdalah spice blends combining several aromatic spices formulated specifically for a pleasant, long-lasting fragrance.
Most besamim boxes have a removable top or hinged lid for easy refilling. Empty old spice residue periodically and add fresh besamim to keep the fragrance strong and meaningful for the weekly ritual.
Either works well. A complete havdalah set offers a coordinated look with matching pieces, while purchasing a besamim box separately allows you to mix and match if you already own a candle holder or cup you'd like to keep using.
Yes. A well-crafted besamim box is a meaningful and somewhat distinctive gift, especially appreciated by families who value the weekly havdalah ritual. It pairs naturally with other Shabbos silver as part of a wedding gift.
Polish with a silver polish formulated for sterling or plated silver, taking care around any decorative perforations or lattice work where polish residue can collect. Empty and clean the interior periodically to keep the fragrance fresh.