Yom Kippur Besamim Lemons

Smelling besamim on Yom Kippur has been a long standing custom. As we fast on Yom Kippur, it is a challenge to complete the “100 Brachos” we strive to make each day. Making a bracha and smelling besamin helps us reach that goal.  

Yom Kippur Lemon Besamim is a fun activity that can be done by anyone in the family, this simple project is sure to be a big hit.

The sweet smelling lemon will not only help along with your brachos count, but it will also refresh and invigorate those who smell it throughout the fast.

Every year, this has been a great activity for our children (and neighbors) over the years.  Erev Yom Kippur we buy  dozens of lemons and have them make this Yom Kippur project and then distribute them to all the neighbors.

See below for a printable poem to include. 

You will need:

• • lemons
  • cloves
  • nails
  • pouch (optional
  • poem

Directions:

1. 1. Carefully poke holes in the lemon with the nail.
      You can place the cloves randomly, or you can create a design with them
   2. Stick the cloves in the holes.
   3. Cut the printable poem in half.
   4. Place poem and lemon in bag.