Do It on an Ascent
Hike In the Fields and Valleys Surrounding Zefat!
 Rosh
Chodesh Nissan (this
year: Shabbat, March 30) officially ushers in the Spring season when we
may recite Birchat 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:
Boruch
Ata Ad-o-nay, E-l-hainu, Melech Ha'olam,
sh'lo hasair b'olamo kloom,
ubara bo briyot tovot v'eilanot tovot,
leihanot bahem benai adam.
"Blessed
be You, G-d, our G-d, 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 Birchat Ha'Ilanot as soon as
possible in the month of Nissan (unless Rosh Chodesh Nissan falls on Shabbat).
It is said only upon 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).
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,
Birchat Ha'Ilanot should be made outside of the city limits, and
only 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 Kabbalah, this blessing has unique 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 tikun (soul rectification). It should therefore, be said
with intense concentration and kavanah (intention).
In addition,
it is desirable to follow the blessing with a donation of three coins
to tzedakah (charity), corresponding to the three soul levels of
nefesh-ruach-neshama. Also, the Ben Ish Hai, the famous
20th century halachic authority and kabbalist from Bagdad, recommends
giving 4 coins for the elevation of the soul of one's departed parents,
based on the 4 letters of the Name.
"See
(said Yitzchok of Yaacov), 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 Birchat Ha'Ilanot
with the proper intention.
(produced by Yerachmiel Tilles, for Ascent of Zefat,
Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5760, 5771
based on Shulchan HaShalem,'Ohalei Tsaddikim, and Kaf HaHayim)
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