Non si fa la benedizione sulla candela o le spezie degli idolatri [Non sopra la candela, perché non "riposa", l'idolatore dopo aver lavorato alla luce; ed è vietato fare una benedizione su una candela che non si è fermata, essendo stata trasgredita da essa. E non oltre le spezie degli idolatri. Il riferimento è alle spezie usate in una riunione festiva di idolatri. E questo è l'intento dell'ultima parte della Mishnah: "E non sopra la candela e non sopra le spezie prima dell'idolatria", cioè perché non si fa una benedizione sulle spezie degli idolatri? Perché si può presumere che una riunione festiva di idolatri sia per propositi idolatrici ed è vietato fare una benedizione sulle spezie usate per l'idolatria.] E non sulla candela e sulle spezie usate per i morti, [la candela (per i morti ) utilizzato per scopi onorifici e le spezie utilizzate per dissipare l'odore.] E non sopra la candela e non sopra le spezie prima dell'idolatria. Non si benedice la candela finché non ne trae beneficio [dalla sua luce. Non che ne tragga beneficio di per sé, ma che sia abbastanza vicino da trarne beneficio se lo desidera.]
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.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
English Explanation of Mishnah Berakhot
Introduction
This mishnah teaches some laws concerning the candles and spices.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
Bartenura on Mishnah Berakhot
ולא על הנר של מתים –that we should make use their light even for mere honor.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
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.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
Bartenura on Mishnah Berakhot
ולא על בשמים של מתים – That we would use it to remove the odor.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
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.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
Bartenura on Mishnah Berakhot
ולא על נר ובשמים – of idolaters and constellation worshippers , since it is forbidden to derive benefit from them.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
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.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
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.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
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.
