Abraham Ofir Shemesh

This book deals with a variety of issues related to religion, culture and sociology of the Jewish world in relation to fragrances, perfumes and incense. The book deals with an array of subjects relating to material culture, theory, custom, philosophy, beliefs and worldviews. Among the subjects discussed in the book are perfumery practices and techniques, their integration into religious ceremonies and customs, their place in the symbolism of the world of Kabbalah and mysticism, the use of perfumes and incense in the daily routine of the synagogue, in the liturgy of the synagogue and in the Jewish life cycle, like marriage and circumcision ceremonies on the one hand, and death, burial and mourning, on the other. The chapters discuss several basic questions: How do Jewish sources relate to the sense of smell beyond its biological role? Why were smells connected to the human soul or to the world of souls in heaven? How did scents get incorporated into the world of custom and in the Jewish sphere of life, and for what reasons? Why in Judaism, as in other cultures, are unusual vital forces attributed to incense? Is Judaism different from other religions on the issue of class status in society according to smells? What is the attitude of the ancient and recent halachic authorities regarding women’s perfume? These questions are examined in light of the analysis of various literary texts, both Jewish and general.