Incense in Judaism

In Jewish tradition, there is a custom to burn incense, which is known as Shechelet. Incense is a fragrant material used during prayers and ceremonies. The ingredients used in Shechelet differ from tradition to tradition. While some use herbs or plants, others use natural substances like hay and wood.

It is thought that the burning of incense atones for sins. It was also an important part of the Day of Atonement, where the High Priest would burn incense on behalf of the entire congregation. Eventually, the use of incense became a natural part of the synagogue’s liturgy.

Interestingly, the burning of incense in synagogues is a tradition that goes back many centuries. One Israeli archaeologist found evidence of burning incense in the Beit Shean synagogue in the late fourth or early fifth century. This synagogue remained erect until at least 624, and archaeologists unearthed a bronze incense burner, similar to those found in Latakia, Syria. The burner had two pieces, one with a perforated box and the other with a conical lid.

In Jewish tradition, incense prayer was a sacred ritual that brought glory to the Temple and brought joy to all those who smelled it. It was composed of 15 ingredients, of which four are mentioned in the Torah and the rest are mentioned in the Oral Law. This prayer, called the Pitum HaKetores, is said during the morning karbonos service and at the beginning of Shabbos after Ein Kelokeinu.

There is a debate over whether burning incense in synagogues is an acceptable practice. The Samaritans still burn incense in their synagogues during certain festivals. They also burn it during morning prayers between the Festival of the Seventh Month and the Day of Atonement. They also use it for ceremonial purposes, as a way to convey respect and commemorate special events.

The use of incense in Judaism dates back to ancient times, and the Old Testament contains only brief mentions of it. It occupies a prominent position in the sacrificial legislation of the middle Pentateuch. It is only rarely mentioned in the prophetic and historic books, but it is clear that the Israelites must have had an intimate knowledge of its ingredients. They were probably aware of their own spices, as spices from Syria were carried to Egypt through Palestine. It is also believed that Solomon brought spices from Arabia to Jerusalem.

The first mention of an incense altar in the Hebrew Bible is in Exodus chapter 30. This altar was square and two cubits high. It was made of acacia wood and was overlaid with gold. The four horns on the altar resembled the four horns of the altar, as in a courtyard sacrifice. It was built with four rings of gold that were inserted in its four corners.