The Blessing of the Trees in Nissan: How to Say Birkat HaIlanot and Why It Matters

The Blessing of the Trees is a special blessing recited once a year during the month of Nissan, when fruit trees begin to blossom and produce flowers. The blessing is said upon seeing two blossoming fruit trees, and it may be recited even during the first three years. Its purpose is to thank the Creator for the beauty and abundance He placed in the world.

The Text of the Blessing

The wording of the blessing is: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has left nothing lacking in His world and created within it good creatures and good trees for human beings to enjoy.”

There are several slightly different versions. In the text of the Shulchan Aruch, certain words vary, such as “nothing” instead of “a thing,” and “good trees” appearing in different grammatical forms. Some add the phrase “beautiful and pleasant trees.”

Why Was the Blessing Established in Nissan?

The Ra’ah, in the work Pekudat HaLevi’im, explains that this blessing was established specifically in Nissan because this is the time when trees blossom. It is a once a year moment when a person witnesses how God brings dry trees back to life with growth and flowering.

A Path to Awe of Heaven

This blessing is considered a means to cultivate awe of Heaven, because it encourages a person to contemplate God’s wonders. The blossoming of trees demonstrates how life and renewal emerge seemingly from nothing.

Maimonides wrote that the path to loving and fearing God begins when a person reflects upon His creations and recognizes the infinite wisdom within them. Through this contemplation, one feels both deep love and humility before the Creator.

The Ideal Time to Recite the Blessing

It is proper to try to say the blessing during the first days of Nissan. The reason is that those who are diligent hasten to perform mitzvot, and there is special value in doing a mitzvah at its appropriate time.

Enhancing the Mitzvah With a Group

An additional enhancement is to recite the blessing together with a large gathering. The reason given is that when many people unite to perform a mitzvah, its spiritual elevation increases. Halachic authorities note that if possible, having at least ten participants is considered especially praiseworthy.

The Mystical Dimension of the Blessing

In the book Beit HaBechirah, quoting the Zohar, it is taught that one should focus deeply during this blessing. According to mystical teachings, it helps elevate souls that may be connected to vegetation and nature. A person should pray for mercy upon those souls and awaken within themselves a sincere desire for repentance and spiritual refinement.

Giving Charity After the Blessing

For this reason, it is recommended to give charity after reciting the blessing. Some sources mention setting aside three small coins corresponding to the levels of soul — nefesh, ruach, and neshamah — as a spiritual elevation for the souls of Israel.

Preparing Before the Blessing

Before reciting the blessing, it is good practice to wash one’s hands and ensure that the surroundings are clean and respectful, so that the mitzvah is performed properly.

The Blessing and Its Spiritual Reward

About one who is careful with this blessing, it is said: “See, the fragrance of my son is like the fragrance of a field which the Lord has blessed. May God grant you the dew of heaven, the richness of the earth, abundant grain and wine… those who bless you shall be blessed.”

This teaching highlights the deep spiritual value hidden within what may seem like a simple act of recognizing God’s renewal of the world through the blossoming of trees.