Austrian-born, Israeli painter Yosl Bergner created still-life scenes often situated outside of the domestic sphere, set against illogical backdrops. Spice Container is one such example.

It represents a key element of the Havdalah ritual. Havdalah means ‘separation’ or ‘distinction’, and in the context of the Sabbath, it refers to the conclusion of Shabbat on Saturday evening and the impending return to the ordinary workweek. It differentiates between sacred time and the mundane.

Havdalah is typically observed at home and may take place once three stars are visible in the night sky. While the ritual is brief, it is active, multi-sensory, and rich in symbolism. Wine is consumed to embody the joy of Shabbat; a spice box, filled with sweet-smelling spices, like cinnamon and clove, is shaken so the scent can serve as a reminder of the lingering sweetness of the Sabbath; and a braided, multi-wick candle is lighted and passed around to emphasize the difference between light and darkness. Blessings are said that underscore and give thanks for such distinctions.

All aspects of the Havdalah service speak to Exodus 31:17: the importance of being ‘refreshed’ or renewed by the Sabbath. Interestingly, Shabbat ends in similar ways to how it begins—with wine, candle(s), and blessings—indicating it is as important to commemorate the sacred day’s conclusion as it is to mark its beginning.

Rabbinic teachings put forth the idea that on Shabbat, every person is given an extra soul, the neshama yeterah. which they relinquish at Havdalah. ‘When Shabbat draws to a close, the extra soul withdraws, leaving the mundane soul behind. Some believe that aromas are the only aspect of the material world that a soul can enjoy, and spices provide consolation to the remaining soul’ (Perlis 2005:13). While Havdalah spice boxes can take many forms, the tower-like shape represented in Bergner’s painting is traditional.

While Bergner’s placement of this domestic, ritual object outdoors is unconventional, his depiction of a darkening sky is undoubtedly an intentional allusion to the object’s context in time, if not in space.  

References

Perlis, Natasha. 2005. ‘Spice Roots: An Introduction to the History and Role of Spice Boxes’, in Scents of Purpose: Artists Interpret the Spice Box (San Francisco: Contemporary Jewish Museum)