Birchas Hailanos

 

The basic laws of Birchas Hailanos (the blessing over blossoming fruit trees) are summarized below:

Someone* who goes outdoors during the month of Nissan (this law is applicable only during the month of Nissan) and observes trees in bloom should recite the blessing:

 

בָרּוְך אַתָה ה’ אֱֹלקינּו מֶלְֶך הָעֹולָם שֶֹלא חִסַר בְעֹולָמֹו כְלּום ובָָרא בֹו בְִריֹות טֹובֹות
וְאִילָנֹות טֹובֹות לֵיהָנֹות בָהֶם בְנֵי אָדָם.

“Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has made nothing lacking in His world, and created in it goodly creatures and goodly trees to give mankind pleasure.”

 

This blessing is recited only once a year, the first time a person observes blossoming trees during Nissan. Someone who observed such trees but failed to recite the blessing should recite it the next time they see such trees, but should omit the words, atah Hashem Elokeinu Melech ho’olom (“L-rd our G-d, King of the universe”) from the brachah. Rather, simply state, “Baruch Shelo etc.” (“Blessed is the One Who has made….”)

 

• This blessing is not recited for a tree that does not produce fruit.
• The tree should be in the blossoming stage, prior to the production of fruit.
• Some are extra scrupulous to recite the blessing over two such trees simultaneously.
• This blessing is recited by men and women alike.
• Some authorities maintain that the blessing should not be recited for a tree that is orlah (within the first three years of its planting) or a tree that has been grafted.
• The majority of authorities permit reciting this blessing during Shabbos and Yom Tov.
• If the brachah was delayed until the blossoms have fallen and given way to fruit, it should be recited without mentioning Hashem’s name, in the method described above.

 

 

 

 

Excerpt from the “DAY-BY-DAY HALACHIC GUIDE” for Pesach, published by the Badatz

 

 

*) וראה גם אג”ק חט”ז ע’ שכח בשלילת הקס”ד שלא לברך ברכה זו.