The Blessings for Enjoyment

Birchot hanehenin are blessings of enjoyment that are said before eating or upon smelling something that brings enjoyment or pleasure. Take a moment this summer to cultivate your sense of smell and to appreciate the smells of the season. Consider taking a family hike and trying to find these fragrant items on your walk.

On smelling fragrant woods or barks:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, borei atzei v’samim.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the world, who creates trees and their fragrance.

On smelling flowers and herbs:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, borei isvei v’samim.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the world, who creates fragrant flowers and herbs.

On smelling fragrant fruits:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, hanotein rei-ach tov bapeirot.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the world, who gives a pleasant scent to fruits.

On smelling perfumes or spices:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, borei minei v’samim.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the world, who creates the world’s spices.