ki tisa

G‑d tells Moses the recipe for making holy "anointing oil." This oil, which was prepared with various aromatic herbs and fine spices, was used to anoint and sanctify the Tabernacle, its vessels, and Aaron and his sons. The remainder of the oil was put aside, and was used to anoint kings and high priests of future generations. 

Making Cinnamon Scented Oil at Home

This week we are going to explore Torah through our sense of smell. We are also going to discuss the different types of scents; good and bad, sweet and sour, pleasant and bitter. We will discuss the way that fragrance can inspire people’s moods. We will also discuss how at other times in our tradition a scent can be used as an example of certain type personality.
Now in the same vein, this week our parsha is discussing the making of the Shemen Meshechat – the fragrant Anointing Oil (שמן המשחה) which was needed for the inauguration. 

Essential oils are perfect for aromatherapy, massage or various cosmetic solutions. Making homemade essential oil is easy. You could have spotted the method of making essential oils in the ‘Perfume’ movie – it’s called enfleurage and includes soaking flowers or herbs in oil. To make your own essential oil you need only carrier oil and herbs, flowers or beans you’ll be using to infuse it with their flavors. See how at Sparkle woman   
 
Photo credit: Flickr, Lizzy Lane Farm

parashah Ki Tisah

The people of Israel are told to each contribute exactly half a shekel of silver to the Sanctuary. Instructions are also given regarding the making of the Sanctuary’s water basin, anointing oil and incense. 
Early on in this week's portion, Ki Tisah, G.d describes the sacred blend of spices that go into formulating the anointing oil that will be used to make everything in the tabernacle holy. A lot of the ingredients aren't recognizable to a modern day reader - with cinnamon being an exception.
It would have be fun to make something with spices and with cinnamon then to use it as, for example, havdalah spices bag and something with oil and cinnamon. 
"This shall be an anointing oil sacred to Me throughout the ages, it must not be rubbed on any person's body and you MUST NOT MAKE ANYTHING LIKE IT in the same proportions, it is sacred, to be held sacred by you." ....so we're not using any of the same other spices, not trying to replicate it or it's portions, but making a spice  good smelling mix and learning how to mix oil and spices.

  Havadalah spice bags

 

 Aromatic spice and herbs oil

 

 

parashah Ki Tisa

The people of Israel are told to each contribute exactly half a shekel of silver to the Sanctuary. Instructions are also given regarding the making of the Sanctuary’s water basin.

Making half shekalim to count Bnei Yisrael

Making the copper water basin