The Blessing Over Blossoming Fruit Trees: What It Is, When To Say It

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- If you see fruit trees putting out blossoms in Nisan, recite: ''Blessed are You, Hashem, our God, King of the universe, who has not left anything lacking in His world and created in it good creatures and good trees for people to enjoy''

What You Need to Say It

- You may say this blessing only when all three conditions are present:

1. Fruit-bearing trees (not a barren tree)

2. Trees with blossoms (even if some blossoms have fallen—as long as there are blossoms, you may bless)

3. Two trees, even of the same species (reciting over different species is especially praiseworthy)

- If all the blossoms have fallen from the tree, you may no longer recite the blessing

- For trees grafted from unlike species: some say not to recite Birkat Ha-Ilanot on them, since their existence runs counter to the Creator's will, and we should not bless and thank Hashem for that. Others hold that the blessing praises creation as a whole, so one may recite it over grafted trees. While one who wishes to rely on the lenient view should not be protested, those who ask should be instructed not to bless, since in cases of doubt about blessings we rule leniently

Grafting: Same Species vs. Different Species

- Trees not grafted at all: olive, fig, pomegranate..

- Trees grafted with the same species: apple, orange, peach, nectarine..

- Trees grafted with a different species: plum, pear, apricot..

- For any question, consult a talmid chacham

When to Say the Blessing

- In the month of Adar: permitted after the fact if you cannot bless at another time (provided the conditions are met, as explained)

- In the month of Nisan: the ideal time for the blessing according to all opinions

- In the month of Iyar: permitted after the fact if you cannot bless at another time (provided the conditions are met)

- In the month of Tishrei/Cheshvan: in places where trees blossom only in Tishrei or Cheshvan, you may recite this blessing at that time

- It is permitted to recite Birkat Ha-Ilanot on Shabbat and Yom Tov

- You may recite it by day or at night

- It is said once per year

Who Is Obligated

- Men and women are obligated in this blessing

- A blind person should not recite Birkat Ha-Ilanot, since this blessing depends on \"seeing\" and he does not see. It is proper for him to hear it from a shaliach tzibbur or from another person who is reciting it

Where to Say It

- It is best to recite Birkat Ha-Ilanot over trees planted in gardens and orchards outside the city

- Nevertheless, this is not strictly required; if it is difficult to go outside the city due to busyness or weakness, and all the more so out of concern for loss of Torah study, one may recite Birkat Ha-Ilanot over trees within the city

- Ideally, ten people should join together as one, gathering for the sake of heaven to go out and recite Birkat Ha-Ilanot; however, this is not required, and you may recite it alone. Those eager to do mitzvot act promptly

Orlah Trees

- It is permitted to recite Birkat Ha-Ilanot over orlah trees that are within the first three years from planting, according to all opinions