Blooming Trees
Rosh Chodesh Nissan (this year: March 30) officially ushers
in the Spring season when we may recite Bircat Ha'Ilanot, the blessing
upon seeing fruit trees in bloom. This special blessing is recited only once a
year. In it, we praise G-d's ongoing renewal of Creation. The blessing is as
follows:
"Baruch Ata Ado-nai, E-loheinu, Melech Ha'olam,
shelo hasair b'olamo kloom,
ubara bo briyot tovot v'ilanot tovot,
leihanot bahem b'nai adam."
"Blessed are You, G-d, our Lord,
King of the Universe,
that His world is not lacking anything,
and He created in it
good creations and good trees
for the pleasure of mankind."
(Readings for before and after the blessing are found in some
prayer books.)
It is desirable to seek the opportunity to recite Bircat
Ha'Ilanot as soon as possible in the month of Nissan (unless Rosh Chodesh
Nissan falls on Shabbat). It is said only upon one's seeing a tree in bloom for
the first time. The growth of leaves alone is not sufficient to allow one to say
the blessing; there must be flowers (or buds, according to some authorities).  | | " According to Kabbala, this blessing has special significance...." | | |
One who saw fruit trees in bloom during Nissan, but forgot or
neglected to recite the blessing, may then recite it only until the time that
the fruit of the tree has (begun to have) grown.
Ideally, Bircat Ha'Ilanot should be made outside of the
city limits, and on at least two trees, and the more the better (as in an
orchard). There are those who hold that these trees should be of at least two
different species. Also, it is desirable that it be recited with a minyan of 10
males if possible, so that it can be followed by Kaddish.
According to Kabbala, this blessing has special significance.
When Jews make this blessing they are able to redeem souls who have been
re-incarnated in the vegetal realm, making it possible for them to continue or
complete their soul rectification. It should therefore, be said with intense
concentration.
Also, it is desirable to follow the blessing with a donation of
three coins to charity, corresponding to the three soul levels of Nefesh,
Ruach, Neshama.
"See [said Isaac of Jacob], the fragrance of my son is like the
fragrance of a field that G-d has blessed." (Gen. 27:27) It is interpreted that
this verse applies to anyone who recites Bircat Ha'Ilanot with the proper
intention.
[Based on Shulchan HaShalem, Ohalei Tsaddikim, and
Kaf HaHayim]
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