What is the Chabad custom in regards to the different types of brachos on smells like atzei besamim and minei besamim?

Question continued:

1. What about rose water which is very common in sfaradic circles and they do smell it and eat it as well?
2. Also for havdala would it be better to use something that is definitely minei besamim like cloves and cinnamon but not mint?

 

Answer:

The following is a summary based on Seder Birchos Hanenim chapter 11.
If they grow as a grass, or on a soft stalk, the beracha is Borei Isvei besamim.
If they grown on a hard stalk, and certainly if they grow on a tree, the beracha is Borei Atzei Besamim.
If one is unsure how it grows then they should recite the bracha Borei Minei besamim.
On fruit which possess a good smell one should make the bracha Asher nosan raich tov bapeiros. This applies only if the fruit is edible as is, i.e. without mixing it into a dish, and if it was picked up in order to smell. Even if it was picked up in order to eat, one can make the bracha if he changes his mind and lifts it higher putting it close to his nose in order to smell.
One should avoid smelling the scent of foods or spices which are normally not used to smell from (such as crushed pepper or ginger, hot bread, the aroma of coffee) to avoid the question as to whether a bracha is required.
There is a disagreement in halacha about the correct bracha on the scent of herbs or spices which are also used as a food, but are not edible on their own. Therefore, one should recite the bracha Borei Minei besamim. Here too, one says a bracha only if it’s normally used to smell from and if it was picked up to smell from it. Examples of herbs or spices which one makes a bracha are mint, peppermint , cinnamon, cloves etc.
However when making Havdalah the Minhag is to make the bracha Borei Minei besamim.

 

1. If there are actual pieces of roses in the water you make a Borei Isvei besamim, if there is no pieces of rose you make Borei Minei besamim.
2. Yes, the Alter Rebbe writes that it’s better to use for Havdalah something that is for sure Borei Minei besamim.

 

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