06 Apr HALACHICALLY SPEAKING: BIRCHAS HA’ILLANOS
The Gemorah in Berochos states, “when the month of Nissin is upon us, one goes out to recite a beracha on a tree that is starting to bud.” The Shita Mekubetzes says this beracha was instituted because it expresses Hashem’s continuous renewal of creation. The Aruch Ha’shulcan says that although some do not recite this beracha, a G-d fearing person should.
The Obligation
Both men and women are obligated in this beracha. This beracha is not considered a mitzvahs asei sh’zman gerama, since it is not dependent on the month of Nissin alone, but when the tree begins to bud, therefore, women are obligated in this beracha as well. Some say that women do not have an obligation to actually go out and find a tree, but if they happen to pass one, a beracha should be recited.
When Is The Beracha Recited
Many poskim maintain that the beracha may only be recited during the month of Nissin, in fact many are careful to recite the beracha on Rosh Chodesh Nissin. Others say that based on kabbalistic reasoning, the beracha should only be recited during the month of Nissin. Nonetheless, most poksim maintain that it may be recited in the month of Iyar as well. Some say if one sees the tree budding in Adar it is permissible to recite the beracha at that time. If one already recited the birchas ha’illanos in Nissin etc., and then traveled to a different part of the country at a time when the trees begin to bud, no beracha is recited.
At Night
It is permissible to recite the beracha at night as long as one can see the budding on the tree. However, if there is not enough street light then the beracha may not be recited. If one is traveling in a car, etc. and sees the budding through the car window, a beracha may be recited.
On Shabbos
Some poskim maintains that one is not allowed to recite this beracha on Shabbos. Some say one might come to pull off a bud of the tree, while others say that one might carry a siddur. Nonetheless, virtually all of the poskim maintain that this beracha may be recited on Shabbos and the two previously mentioned concerns are not applicable.
The Number Of Trees
Many poskim maintain that one should recite the beracha on two or more trees, however, other poskim maintain that the beracha may be recited on one tree. This seems to be the custom today, since we do not reside in neighborhoods where a lot of fruit-trees grow in one area.
In A Field Or In The City
Based on a reading of the Rambam some poskim are of the opinion that initially one should recite the beracha in a field outside of the city. However, if this is difficult, then the beracha may be recited in the city itself. Today, the custom is to recite the beracha on a tree that is in the city, since we do not live in an area that has many trees, and there is no obligation to go to a farm.
The Beracha
The Kaf Ha’chaim quotes a leshem yichud to be recited before saying the beracha on the tree. Some pertinent halachos are; one does not have to hold the blossom in his hand, the beracha should be recited loudly, the beracha is Boruch Ata Hashem etc…. Some say bolamo daver, while others do not say this. There is no need for one to remove his glasses in order to recite the beracha when seeing the blossom. The nusach is l’hunos although the Gemorah has a different nusach. If someone tells you that there is a tree located in a certain place, until you actually see it, no beracha is said.
How Many People
Some poskim maintain that the beracha should be recited with a minyan of people, however, the custom is that one may recite the beracha by himself.
If one Did Not Recite The Beracha The First Time
Many poskim say if one passes a tree that is blossoming, and does not recite the beracha, he may recite it at a second sighting. While other poskim argue with this, and maintain that if no beracha was recited the first time, then the opportunity to make a beracha the second time was lost.
What Type Of Tree
The beracha may be recited only on a fruit tree. One may not recite the beracha on a tree that does not produce fruit. If a person unknowingly recited a beracha on a non-bearing fruit tree, he does not have to recite another beracha on a fruit tree. One may not recite a beracha on branches of a tree that may contain a blossom.
Leaves/Fruits Of The Tree
One may not recite a beracha on a tree that only has leaves, and one may not recite a beracha on a tree whose fruits are ripe.
A Grafted Tree
A beracha may not be recited on a tree that has been grafted with another type of tree. Grafting takes place on many trees, and one should note that none of the Birchas Ha’illanos trees is a problem because of grafting. Many people think that a nectarine is grafted in a non-permitted way; however, this is not the case, therefore, birchas ha’illanos may be recited on a nectarine tree.
On An Orlah Tree
Some say that a beracha may not be recited on a tree during its first three years, which is commonly known as orlah. In Chutz L’uretz, where orlah is d’rabbanan, some say one may recite a beracha on an orlah tree.