The “Pitum HaKetoret”, the formulation and blending of the incense ingredients that were offered in the Tabernacle and the Temple, carries deep spiritual meanings and a powerful message relevant to one’s inner spiritual work.
1. The Ketoret in the Temple
The incense was offered twice daily, in the morning and in the afternoon, on the golden altar inside the sanctuary. The blend included eleven unique ingredients, some with a pleasant aroma and others less so, but together they created a wondrous fragrance.
The Torah provides specific instructions for preparing the incense, emphasizing its sanctity and uniqueness.
📖 “And the Lord said to Moses: Take for yourself sweet spices—stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense…” (Exodus 30:34)
2. The Meaning Behind the Ingredients
A blend of good and bad:
Among the ingredients was galbanum (chelbenah), which by itself gives off an unpleasant odor. Yet, when mixed with the other spices, it contributes to the harmony of the overall fragrance.
The sages learned from this that the incense symbolizes the people of Israel—composed of both righteous and wicked individuals. All are needed to make the community whole.
Unity:
The Pitum HaKetoret teaches that perfection comes from integrating different elements, even those that are not perfect on their own. It conveys a message of unity and collaboration among people.
3. The Incense as a Symbol of Prayer
The sages compared the incense to prayer. Just as the incense rises upward and enters the sanctuary, so too does prayer ascend to the heavens. Prayer, like incense, should be a mixture of sincere, heartfelt words that express the depths of the soul.
The Zohar emphasizes that the incense serves as a spiritual protection against harm and negative forces. Reciting the Pitum HaKetoret creates a “shielding power” for both the individual and the world.
4. Spiritual Qualities of the Ketoret
Protection from Plagues:
Tradition teaches that the incense saved the people of Israel from a plague during the episode of Korach’s rebellion (Numbers 17:11–12). It represents atonement and divine protection.
Peace and a Pleasant Aroma:
The incense brings about harmony and conveys a spiritual connection between man and his Creator.
5. A Message for Our Time
Community Unity:
Just as the incense needs all its ingredients to be complete, so too does our society need every individual—even those whose contributions seem small or less appealing. Together, we form wholeness.
Inner Harmony:
Pitum HaKetoret teaches us to work on inner balance, blending the different aspects of ourselves into a personal completeness.
A Deeper Look at Each Ingredient of the Ketoret
Each spice and substance used in the Ketoret not only contributed to the scent, but also carries a spiritual and symbolic meaning:
1. Tzori (Stacte)
A resin from the balm tree (Commiphora gileadensis), also known as “Balm of Gilead.”
Used for incense, medicine, and perfumes due to its strong and fragrant aroma.
2. Tziporen (Onycha or Clove)
Some identify it with clove spice (Syzygium aromaticum), while others say it came from sea mollusks.
It has a sweet, sharp smell and is still used today in natural medicine and perfumery.
3. Chelbenah (Galbanum)
A harsh-smelling resin from a tree. On its own it smells unpleasant, but when burned with the other ingredients, it enhances the blend.
This teaches that even the “unpleasant” parts of life or community can contribute positively when integrated properly.
4. Levonah (Frankincense)
Resin from the Boswellia tree (Boswellia sacra), with a very pleasant aroma.
Used in incense and healing, and known today as a natural anti-inflammatory.
5. Mor (Myrrh)
Extracted from myrrh trees (Commiphora myrrha), it has a sweet-bitter scent.
Used in incense, medicine, and ancient embalming—especially by the Egyptians.
6. Ketzi’ah
Its exact identification is unclear. Possibly from the cinnamon family or other aromatic-bark plants.
Known to have a pleasant smell.
7. Shibolet Nered (Spikenard)
From the Nardostachys jatamansi plant, which grows in the Himalayas.
It has a strong aroma, used in incense and perfumes, and is mentioned in Song of Songs.
8. Karkom (Saffron or Turmeric)
Identified with either turmeric (Curcuma longa) or saffron (Crocus sativus).
Both are known for their strong aroma and vibrant color, used in rituals and cooking.
9. Kosht (Costus root)
The root of Costus speciosus or Saussurea costus, with a very pleasant smell and medicinal properties in ancient Middle Eastern medicine.
10. Kilufah
Traditionally understood as a fragrant substance from tree bark, possibly Chinese cinnamon.
Used to enhance the fragrance of the incense.
11. Kinamon (Cinnamon)
Bark from the true cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum verum), with a sweet and refined aroma, still a popular spice and perfume ingredient today.
Additional Substances Used in the Incense Preparation:
- Borít Karshinah: Possibly soapwort or a cleansing agent, used to purify or improve burning quality. Possibly Saponaria officinalis.
- Yein Kafrisin (Cypriot Wine): Fine wine from Cyprus, used to soak certain ingredients to extract their full aroma.
- Melach Sedomit (Sodom Salt): Rare salt from the Dead Sea region, used to stabilize the burning process and improve the scent.
- Ma’aleh Ashan: A special additive that made the smoke rise in a straight column, likely a unique organic resin or compound.
The Ketoret is truly a blend of diverse aromas, where each ingredient contributes something vital, both physically and spiritually.
Why Do We Recite the Ketoret Before and After the Morning Prayer?
The daily recitation of Pitum HaKetoret—both before Shacharit and at the end of the prayer—is a unique and spiritually rich custom. It reflects the deep significance of the incense and its special spiritual power in our prayers.
1. Pitum HaKetoret as the Beginning of Spiritual Work
Reciting the incense passage before morning prayer serves as a profound spiritual preparation.
🔹 Protective Power:
The sages emphasize that the incense protects from negative forces and spiritual harm.
Before engaging in tefillah—a time of closeness with God—we recite the Ketoret to begin our day with divine protection and blessing.
🔹 Symbol of Refinement and Purification:
The process of blending the incense represents spiritual purification.
Before standing before God in prayer, we recall the Ketoret as a way of “cleansing” ourselves, making us more spiritually worthy.
2. Reciting Pitum HaKetoret After the Prayer
After completing the tefillah, we once again recite the Ketoret.
🔹 To Seal the Prayer with a “Pleasant Aroma”:
The incense symbolizes a “sweet savor” rising to the heavens, just like a prayer. By ending with it, our tefillah concludes with a powerful note of spiritual closeness.
🔹 To Maintain the Prayer’s Spiritual Effect:
Once prayer is over, we invoke the Ketoret again to preserve the blessings and spiritual light we’ve attained, allowing that influence to accompany us throughout the day.
3. Morning Prayer Corresponds to Temple Service
In the Temple, the incense was offered twice daily: once in the morning and once in the evening.
Reciting Pitum HaKetoret before Shacharit mimics the morning Temple service, while the recitation at the end reflects the afternoon offering.
Through this, we connect ourselves to the Temple’s sacred work, and express our hope for redemption, when we will once again offer incense in the rebuilt Temple.
4. Incense as Protection Against Harm
The Midrash and Zohar emphasize the incense’s power to guard against plagues and misfortunes.
By reciting it twice a day—morning and evening—we surround ourselves with layers of spiritual protection from negative energies, both by day and by night.
5. A Spiritual Message From This Cycle
🔹 Starting the Day Right:
We begin with Pitum HaKetoret to introduce purity and unity into our daily actions.
🔹 Ending With Harmony:
We finish with it to remind ourselves that prayer isn’t just a one-time act, but part of a greater spiritual harmony, just like the incense itself—a blend of diverse elements.
The Cycle of Beginning and Ending
Reciting the Ketoret before Shacharit and after prayer symbolizes the cyclical rhythm of Temple service, the need for purity and protection, and the connection between man and the Divine.
It expresses an ongoing relationship—one of unity, spiritual elevation, and a commitment to both personal and communal growth.
If There Are 12 Tribes, Why Are There Only 11 Ingredients in the Ketoret?
Since the 12 tribes of Israel represent the complete nation, why did the Ketoret include only 11 ingredients?
Here are several deep and fascinating explanations for this:
1. A Hint to the Tribe of Levi – Separate from the Whole
The Tribe of Levi was not counted with the other tribes in certain contexts and did not receive a portion of land—because they were designated for holy service.
Since the Ketoret is part of the Temple service, performed by priests and Levites, it’s possible that the tribe representing holiness itself is not included in the general count of the 11 ingredients.
The Ketoret serves to atone for Israel—but Levi, already sanctified, may not require that atonement. Their absence from the count is symbolic of their spiritual elevation.
2. Chelbenah – Symbol of the Wicked and Unity
Chelbenah (galbanum), known for its bad smell, is still included in the incense. This teaches us that even sinners must be included in the collective.
Thus, the number 11 may hint that even what appears lacking or flawed is still part of the whole.
Just as the tribes include people of varied spiritual levels, the Ketoret includes an ingredient that is negative alone, but beneficial in the collective.
3. A Hint at a Higher Unity Beyond Numbers
The number 12 represents external wholeness—12 months, 12 constellations.
But 11 symbolizes a dimension beyond nature.
🟠 Chassidic Insight:
The Ketoret represents a supernal spiritual force, beyond the limits of nature and structure.
That’s why its number isn’t 12—but 11, expressing transcendence.
4. Atonement Always Includes a Sense of Lack
The incense was meant to atone for the people. Atonement always implies something is missing and needs repair.
The number 11 reminds us that the people are not complete on their own—we always need divine connection to fill the gap.
5. True Completeness Comes Only From God
The Talmud (Keritot 6b) states that if even one ingredient is missing, the Ketoret is invalid.
This teaches that external “perfection” (like the number 12) means nothing without true inner completion.
So, the number 11 actually reflects that God Himself is the “12th ingredient”—the one who completes everything.
Summary – Why 11 Ingredients?
✔ The Tribe of Levi is set apart – holy service doesn’t need atonement.
✔ Chelbenah (the “wicked”) is included – a message of true unity.
✔ 11 symbolizes holiness above nature.
✔ The incense reminds us we need divine completion.
✔ True perfection only happens when we connect to God.
So next time you read Pitum HaKetoret, remember:
The “missing” ingredient isn’t a mistake—it’s a deep spiritual hint to unity, atonement, and a transcendent holiness beyond the natural order.
