Havdalah, a Jewish ritual marking the end of Shabbat, is a beautiful ceremony steeped in tradition and symbolism. Judaica items used in this ritual is a wine cup filled to the brim, a multi-wick candle, and a spice box holding cloves, cinnamon, and other fragrant spices. The tradition of using a spice tower adorned with bells and a flag dates back centuries and is a cherished aspect of Jewish culture. Let’s look at the origin of the Havdalah spice tower and its symbolism.
Different Shapes for the Havdalah Spice Box
There’s nothing in Judaism that dictates the shape, form, or material of the Havdalah spice box. Some use a small simple box or jar made of plastic, wood, or metal. Others put spices in a decorative container made of silver. The universally recognized shape of a Havdalah box is a container shaped like a tower topped with a flag. Hanging from the bottom of the tower are little bells.
The Origin of the Havdalah Spice Tower
Historians say the tower shape originated in the sixteenth century. By the eighteenth century the tower shape was common throughout Europe. The overall design of the Havdalah spice tower varied from country to country, some adding the flag, bells, or both. However, the basic tower shape remained the same.
Why a Tower with a Flag and Bells?
Rabbi Shubert Spero in his article Spice Towers and Salvation, suggests the shape of the Havdalah spice tower with its flag and bells originated as a beacon of hope to the oppressed Jew of past centuries:
‘…As he stared at the miniature tower with its aspiring lines and realistic detail, the Jew intoned (during the Havdalah ceremony): “The Lord is my strength and He has become my salvation.” Surely he reminded himself of the verse he had recited for the third time that Shabbat at the grace after the third Shabbat meal: “He is a tower of salvation to his King.” (II Samuel 22:51)…“The name of the Lord is a strong tower….” (Proverbs 18:10)…’
Rabbi Spero also opines that the tower shape reminded the Jew of the Temple:
‘…While he was not permitted to build monumental synagogues, the Jew could contemplate the spired tower in the flickering light of the Havdalah candle and dream of the soon to be restored Temple. The spices, seen as incense, likewise evoked memories of the Temple service…’
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