Does smelling tobacco (snuff/pipe) require a fragrance blessing?
Synopsis
The Aruch HaShulchan rules that tobacco does not require a fragrance blessing because its primary purpose is not fragrance — it is medicinal and stimulating, and many find its smell unpleasant. The Magen Avraham raises the question theoretically.
More in Birkat HaGomel
Is it forbidden to benefit from a pleasant fragrance before reciting a blessing?
4 opinions
What blessing is recited over a fragrance whose source is a tree or woody plant?
4 opinions
Does one recite a fragrance blessing when picking up a fruit primarily to eat it, with no intent to smell it?
4 opinions
What blessing is recited over infused oil (shemen mevusam) after it has been filtered and the spices removed?
3 opinions
What blessing is recited over mugmar (incense burned on coals)?
4 opinions across 3 eras
When multiple types of fragrances are before a person (tree, herb, and other), must one recite a separate blessing for each, or can one blessing cover all?
4 opinions
When both myrtle and a fragrant oil are brought to smell and their blessings differ, what order should one bless?
3 opinions
Does one recite a fragrance blessing over an etrog used for the mitzvah of the Four Species during Sukkot?
5 opinions
Related from other topics
If after reciting HaMotzi someone from another household sends a food gift that the person had not anticipated, does that food require a blessing?
Blessings on Snacks and Side Dishes
Do Ashkenazi flour-based fried foods (e.g., blintzes, kreplach, pancakes) eaten during a meal require a blessing?
Blessings on Snacks and Side Dishes
Do sweet pastries and cakes (lekach, torten) eaten during a meal require a blessing?
Blessings on Snacks and Side Dishes
Does smoking tobacco require a bracha?
Uncertain Blessings
If one eats the tafel (secondary food) before the ikar (primary food), does the tafel require its own blessing?
Tasting Without Eating
When walking outside a city and smelling a fragrance, how does the population composition of the city affect whether a blessing is recited?
Vows and Oaths
Discussion
Discussion coming soon.
The Daily Law
One question. Every opinion. Every morning.
A new halakhic question and the full spectrum of rabbinic thought, delivered daily.