On ne fait pas la bénédiction sur la bougie ou les épices des idolâtres [Pas sur la bougie, parce qu'elle ne s'est pas «reposée», l'idolateur ayant travaillé par sa lumière; et il est interdit de faire une bénédiction sur une bougie qui n'a pas reposé, une transgression ayant été commise par elle. Et pas sur les épices des idolâtres. La référence est aux épices utilisées dans un rassemblement festif d'idolateurs. Et c'est l'intention de la dernière partie de la Michna: «Et pas sur la bougie et pas sur les épices avant l'idolâtrie», c'est-à-dire, pourquoi ne fait-on pas une bénédiction sur les épices des idolâtres? Car on peut supposer qu'un rassemblement festif d'idolâtres est pour des propositions idolâtres et il est interdit de faire une bénédiction sur les épices utilisées pour l'idolâtrie.] Et non sur la bougie et les épices utilisées pour les morts, [la bougie (pour les morts ) étant utilisé à des fins honorifiques, et les épices étant utilisées pour dissiper les odeurs.] Et pas sur la bougie et pas sur les épices avant l'idolâtrie. On ne bénit pas sur la bougie jusqu'à ce qu'il en profite [par sa lumière. Non pas qu'il en profite, en soi, mais qu'il soit suffisamment proche pour en profiter s'il le souhaite.]
Bartenura on Mishnah Berakhot
לא על הנר ולא על הבשמים – of an idolater. The [Havdalah] Candle because he [the idolater] did not rest on the Sabbath and did work by its candles, and we hold that light that did not “rest,” should not have blessing recited on it, since it was used in [acts of] transgression; and the spices of gentiles – we are speaking about the spices that are used at the dining parties of idolaters and constellation worshippers who are guests at them and since it is taught at the conclusion of the Mishnah “and not on the [Havdalah] candle and not on the Spices that are before the gods of the idolaters and constellation worshippers – what is the reason that it is said? What is the reason that we do not make a blessing on the spices of idolaters and constellation worshippers? Because it is considered a mere idolatrous dinner party for their god, and we don’t recite a blessing on the spices of those who are idolaters and constellation worshippers.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Berakhot
Introduction
This mishnah teaches some laws concerning the candles and spices.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Berakhot
ולא על הנר של מתים –that we should make use their light even for mere honor.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Berakhot
They do not bless over the candles or the spices of non-Jews; A Jew cannot use a candle that was lit on Shabbat by a non-Jew because the candle has to cease being used during the Shabbat for it to be used at Havdalah. It too has to have a Shabbat. He can’t use the spices of non-Jews because we fear that they may have been used for idolatry.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Berakhot
ולא על בשמים של מתים – That we would use it to remove the odor.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Berakhot
Or over the candles or the spices of the dead; This section refers to candles that were lit to honor the dead or spices that were used to mask the odor of a dead body. Since these were intended to be used for the dead, they cannot be used for Havdalah.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Berakhot
ולא על נר ובשמים – of idolaters and constellation worshippers , since it is forbidden to derive benefit from them.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Berakhot
Or over the candles or the spices of idolatry; It is forbidden to derive benefit from anything used for idolatry and hence it is forbidden to use the candle for light or the spices for smell.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Berakhot
עד שיאותו לאורו – That they would benefit from its light, but not benefit in actuality, but it is so close to it, that one could benefit if one desired.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Berakhot
And a blessing is not said over the light until they benefit from its light. It is not enough to light the candle, one must actually use it as well. This is why people put their hands up to the candle today when doing Havdalah.
