The Holly Ribbnizher’s personal Besamim Box
Silver besamim box containing myrtle leaves, cloves and hyssop used for Havdalah by the Admor of Ribnitz.
The Admor received the besamim in the Besamim Box from the Kabbalist Rabbi Moshe Yair Weinstock and used this Besamim Box each week while reciting Havdalah. It appears from the inscription, “Remember the holy Sabbath for its holiness, ” that the Admor used this Besamim Box to smell besamim before reciting kiddush on Friday night as well, as is the practice of Kabbalists.
Description: The Besamim cover has decorative leaves and engravings along with the inscription, “Remember the day of Sabbath for its holiness.” On the inner side of the cover is an image of Jerusalem with the caption ‘Jerusalem.’ The bottom is velvet and the name ‘Mendel ben Rachel’ is embossed on it. (Name of the Chassid who gave this Besamim Box as a gift to the Admor.)
Included is a photo of this special Besamim Box with verification from his gabbai on the back side affirming that the Admor had used this Besamim
Box for a long period of time, and confirming the source of the besamim.
Rabbi Chaim Zanvil Abramowitz of Ribnitz (1898- 1995) was born in Botosani, Romania. Orphaned as a child, he was raised by Rabbi Avraham Matisyahu of Shtefanesht who treated him as his only son. He lived in Ribnitz which lies in current day Moldova and began practicing holy behaviors already in his youth; immersing himself in frozen rivers and risking his life, traveling from place to place under watchful communist guard to circumcise and slaughter in accordance to Jewish law. He miraculously survived Nazi occupation and it was during this era that his name spread as a miracle worker, with countless stories attesting to this holy power.
The Ribnitzer Rebbe emigrated from Russia in 1972 settling first in Eretz Yisrael and later in the United States. He passed away in Monsey where thousands flock to his grave.
Dimensions: 9 x 4.5 x 3 h cm | 925 silver
