Birchat Ha'ilanot: Difference between revisions
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During the [[month of Nissan]], as spring approaches, we can recite Birkat Ha'Ilanot which is a special Bracha for seeing fruit trees in blossom and can only be made once a year. <ref> Tur and Shulchan Aruch 226:1. Rambam [[Brachot]] 10:13, Gemara [[Brachot]] 43b, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:1 </ref> | During the [[month of Nissan]], as spring approaches, we can recite Birkat Ha'Ilanot which is a special Bracha for seeing fruit trees in blossom and can only be made once a year.<ref> Tur and Shulchan Aruch 226:1. Rambam [[Brachot]] 10:13, Gemara [[Brachot]] 43b, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:1 </ref> | ||
[[File:Fruit_tree.jpg|thumb|right|''A peach tree in blossom'' ]] | [[File:Fruit_tree.jpg|thumb|right|''A peach tree in blossom'' ]] | ||
==Which Trees Suit the Bracha Requirements?== | ==Which Trees Suit the Bracha Requirements?== | ||
# It is permissible to make a Bracha on a tree that was planted or guarded during Shemitta year. <Ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 2:4) </ref> | # It is permissible to make a Bracha on a tree that was planted or guarded during Shemitta year. <Ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 2:4) </ref> | ||
# It is permissible to make a Bracha on a tree that is within 3 years of being planted even though it is considered Orlah. <ref> Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 19), Dovev Meisharim 3:5, and Chelkat Yaakov 2:27 (2:56). Divrei Malkiel 3:2 rules that if one is sure that it is an orlah tree then he shouldn't say the Bracha on it. </ref> | # It is permissible to make a Bracha on a tree that is within 3 years of being planted even though it is considered Orlah.<ref> Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 19), Dovev Meisharim 3:5, and Chelkat Yaakov 2:27 (2:56). Divrei Malkiel 3:2 rules that if one is sure that it is an orlah tree then he shouldn't say the Bracha on it. </ref> | ||
# One should not make the Bracha on a tree which was made from grafting two species, however, there is what to rely on to make the Bracha. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 15), Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:13). Yabia Omer 5:20, Sdei Chemed [[Brachot]] 2:7, Minchat Yitzchak 3:25:3, and Ben Ish Chai Parashat Reeh halacha 11 all say that its preferable not too as well. </ref> | # One should not make the Bracha on a tree which was made from grafting two species, however, there is what to rely on to make the Bracha.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 15), Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:13). Yabia Omer 5:20, Sdei Chemed [[Brachot]] 2:7, Minchat Yitzchak 3:25:3, and Ben Ish Chai Parashat Reeh halacha 11 all say that its preferable not too as well. </ref> | ||
# One should only make the Bracha on a fruit tree and not a barren tree.<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:1, Mishna Brurah 226:2, Halachot Ketanot 2:28 </ref> However, if one made a Bracha on a barren tree one shouldn't make another Bracha upon seeing a free bearing tree.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 13), [[Shevet Halevi]] 6:53. Lehorot Natan 5:8 writes that there's no proof that really one can't recite the bracha upon a nice barren tree but nonetheless the halacha follows the Mishna Brurah.</ref> | # One should only make the Bracha on a fruit tree and not a barren tree.<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:1, Mishna Brurah 226:2, Halachot Ketanot 2:28 </ref> However, if one made a Bracha on a barren tree one shouldn't make another Bracha upon seeing a free bearing tree.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 13), [[Shevet Halevi]] 6:53. Lehorot Natan 5:8 writes that there's no proof that really one can't recite the bracha upon a nice barren tree but nonetheless the halacha follows the Mishna Brurah.</ref> | ||
# It is questionable whether one may make a Bracha on a fruit tree which did not produce fruit the year one makes the Bracha. <Ref>Mishnat Yosef 1:60 writes that even if in that year it does not carry fruit but it is however a fruit tree one may make the Bracha. However, LeHorot Natan 5:8 and Maaseh Chemed (2 note 64) disagree. Chemdat Avraham 2:10 says it is not lechatchila but if there is no other tree you can make the Bracha. </ref> | # It is questionable whether one may make a Bracha on a fruit tree which did not produce fruit the year one makes the Bracha. <Ref>Mishnat Yosef 1:60 writes that even if in that year it does not carry fruit but it is however a fruit tree one may make the Bracha. However, LeHorot Natan 5:8 and Maaseh Chemed (2 note 64) disagree. Chemdat Avraham 2:10 says it is not lechatchila but if there is no other tree you can make the Bracha. </ref> | ||
==Text of Bracha== | ==Text of Bracha== | ||
# The text of Birchat Ilanot is ברוך אתה ה׳ אלוקינו מלך העולם שלא חיסר בעולמו כלום וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובות ליהנות בהם בני אדם. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 226:1. See further: [[Text of Brachot#Birchat Ilanot]].</ref> | # The text of Birchat Ilanot is ברוך אתה ה׳ אלוקינו מלך העולם שלא חיסר בעולמו כלום וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובות ליהנות בהם בני אדם.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 226:1. See further: [[Text of Brachot#Birchat Ilanot]].</ref> | ||
# If one forgot the words "Shelo Chiser Bolamo Klum" he still fulfilled his obligation.<Ref>Ateret Paz Birkat Hailanot p. 159 writes that if one forgot the words "Shelo Chiser Bolamo Klum" he still fulfilled his obligation. He quotes the Shevet Hakehati OC 6:133 who explains that the Kesef Mishna Brachot ch. 1 holds that as long as one said the correct concept of the bracha even if he changed some of the text he fulfilled his obligation. As long as he said shem, malchut, and the idea of the bracha he fulfilled his obligation.</ref> | # If one forgot the words "Shelo Chiser Bolamo Klum" he still fulfilled his obligation.<Ref>Ateret Paz Birkat Hailanot p. 159 writes that if one forgot the words "Shelo Chiser Bolamo Klum" he still fulfilled his obligation. He quotes the Shevet Hakehati OC 6:133 who explains that the Kesef Mishna Brachot ch. 1 holds that as long as one said the correct concept of the bracha even if he changed some of the text he fulfilled his obligation. As long as he said shem, malchut, and the idea of the bracha he fulfilled his obligation.</ref> | ||
==Who is obligated?== | ==Who is obligated?== | ||
# Men are obligated to recite the Birchat Ilanot.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 226:1, Gemara [[Berachot]] 43b</ref> However, the obligation to recite such a bracha is only if you see the trees flowering should you recite the bracha but not that you have to go and find them. However, it is a pious practice to do so.<ref>Teshuvot Vehanhagot 1:190</ref> | # Men are obligated to recite the Birchat Ilanot.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 226:1, Gemara [[Berachot]] 43b</ref> However, the obligation to recite such a bracha is only if you see the trees flowering should you recite the bracha but not that you have to go and find them. However, it is a pious practice to do so.<ref>Teshuvot Vehanhagot 1:190</ref> | ||
# Although there is a discussion if women are obligated since it could theoretically be considered a time-bound mitzvah, nonetheless, the poskim hold that women may recite Birchat Ilanot. <ref> Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 226:2), Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 10), Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 7:6), Har Tzvi 1:118, Tzitz Eliezer 12:25, Teshuvot Vehanhagot 1:190. </ref> | # Although there is a discussion if women are obligated since it could theoretically be considered a time-bound mitzvah, nonetheless, the poskim hold that women may recite Birchat Ilanot.<ref> Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 226:2), Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 10), Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 7:6), Har Tzvi 1:118, Tzitz Eliezer 12:25, Teshuvot Vehanhagot 1:190. </ref> | ||
==Timing== | ==Timing== | ||
# It is preferable to say the Birchat Ilanot in Nissan, however, if one has not yet made the Bracha, it is permissible to make it even after Nissan, and after the fact one may also recite the Bracha before Nissan. <ref> The Gemara [[Brachot]] 43b writes that one who sees the budding of trees in Nissan should make the Birchat Ilanot. Many Rishonim (including the Ritva [[Rosh Hashana]] 11a, Sefer Eshkol pg 68) comment that this Bracha is commonly made in Nissan but does not necessarily have to be made then. This is also the opinion of the Mishna Brurah 226:1 which states that the Bracha may be made in months other than Nissan. Rav Ovadyah Yosef in Sh"t Yechave Daat 1:1 and Chazon Ovadyah (pg 25) argue that it should be made starting in Nissan (and not Adar to be strict and take into account the opinions of the Halachot Ketanot 2:28 and Chida in Birkei Yosef 226:2) and if one has not yet seen a tree in bloom, one should still say it in Iyar. Sedei Chemed [[Berachot]] 2:1 and Kaf Hachayim 126:1 both rule that one should not say the Bracha before or after nissan. Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:2) writes that it should be said in Nissan. </ref> Nonetheless, in places that the trees bud in Adar one may make the bracha in Adar. <ref> Chazon Ovadyah (pg 28), Mishna Brurah 226:1, Aruch Hashulchan 226:1. </ref> | # It is preferable to say the Birchat Ilanot in Nissan, however, if one has not yet made the Bracha, it is permissible to make it even after Nissan, and after the fact one may also recite the Bracha before Nissan.<ref> The Gemara [[Brachot]] 43b writes that one who sees the budding of trees in Nissan should make the Birchat Ilanot. Many Rishonim (including the Ritva [[Rosh Hashana]] 11a, Sefer Eshkol pg 68) comment that this Bracha is commonly made in Nissan but does not necessarily have to be made then. This is also the opinion of the Mishna Brurah 226:1 which states that the Bracha may be made in months other than Nissan. Rav Ovadyah Yosef in Sh"t Yechave Daat 1:1 and Chazon Ovadyah (pg 25) argue that it should be made starting in Nissan (and not Adar to be strict and take into account the opinions of the Halachot Ketanot 2:28 and Chida in Birkei Yosef 226:2) and if one has not yet seen a tree in bloom, one should still say it in Iyar. Sedei Chemed [[Berachot]] 2:1 and Kaf Hachayim 126:1 both rule that one should not say the Bracha before or after nissan. Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:2) writes that it should be said in Nissan. </ref> Nonetheless, in places that the trees bud in Adar one may make the bracha in Adar.<ref> Chazon Ovadyah (pg 28), Mishna Brurah 226:1, Aruch Hashulchan 226:1. </ref> | ||
# Preferably, one should say Birchat Ilanot the first time one sees a budding tree in Nissan, however, if one did not one may still recite Birchat Ilanot even if one previously saw a budding tree and did not make the Bracha the first time. <Ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 2:5), Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 24), Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:9)Machatzit Hashekel 226, Shaar Hatziyun 226:3 and Badei Hashulchan 46:18. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:1 and Kaf Hachaim 226:9 state that if one failed to say the Bracha upon seeing it for the first time one may no longer say the Bracha. </ref> | # Preferably, one should say Birchat Ilanot the first time one sees a budding tree in Nissan, however, if one did not one may still recite Birchat Ilanot even if one previously saw a budding tree and did not make the Bracha the first time. <Ref>Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 2:5), Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 24), Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:9)Machatzit Hashekel 226, Shaar Hatziyun 226:3 and Badei Hashulchan 46:18. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:1 and Kaf Hachaim 226:9 state that if one failed to say the Bracha upon seeing it for the first time one may no longer say the Bracha. </ref> | ||
# The Bracha is recited when the tree starts to bloom, meaning carry flowers, leaves are not enough. <ref> Mishna Brurah 226:2 </ref> | # The Bracha is recited when the tree starts to bloom, meaning carry flowers, leaves are not enough.<ref> Mishna Brurah 226:2 </ref> | ||
# If the tree's buds matured into fruits one may no longer make the Bracha. However if some of the fruit begin to grow and some flowers and buds remain one may still say the Bracha. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 26-7). This is also implied by Mishna Brurah 226:4. </ref> | # If the tree's buds matured into fruits one may no longer make the Bracha. However if some of the fruit begin to grow and some flowers and buds remain one may still say the Bracha.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 26-7). This is also implied by Mishna Brurah 226:4. </ref> | ||
# One may say Birchat Ilanot even on [[Shabbat]], yet it is preferable to make it during the week if it does not result in one missing out on making the Bracha altogether. <ref> Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 20), Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:9). Kaf Hachayim 226:4 quotes the Moed likol chai that the Bracha should not be said on [[Shabbat]] or [[Yom Tov]] because we are worried that one may come to shake or break a branch. He adds that according to Kabbalah the Bracha should not be said on [[Shabbat]] or [[Yom Tov]]. Rav Ovadia Yosef in Yechave Daat 1:2 writes that preferably one should not say it on [[Shabbat]] unless it is the last day of nissan and one still has not yet recited the Bracha. </ref> | # One may say Birchat Ilanot even on [[Shabbat]], yet it is preferable to make it during the week if it does not result in one missing out on making the Bracha altogether.<ref> Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 20), Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:9). Kaf Hachayim 226:4 quotes the Moed likol chai that the Bracha should not be said on [[Shabbat]] or [[Yom Tov]] because we are worried that one may come to shake or break a branch. He adds that according to Kabbalah the Bracha should not be said on [[Shabbat]] or [[Yom Tov]]. Rav Ovadia Yosef in Yechave Daat 1:2 writes that preferably one should not say it on [[Shabbat]] unless it is the last day of nissan and one still has not yet recited the Bracha. </ref> | ||
# One may say Birchat Ilanot even at night if there is enough light for one to distinguish between trees that are blooming and ones that are not. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 11), Tzitz Eliezer 12:20(6) </ref> | # One may say Birchat Ilanot even at night if there is enough light for one to distinguish between trees that are blooming and ones that are not.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 11), Tzitz Eliezer 12:20(6) </ref> | ||
# In Australia trees bud in [[Elul]] and Tishrei one should therefore say [[Birchat Ilanot]] in those months rather than in Nissan.<ref>Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:17) </ref> | # In Australia trees bud in [[Elul]] and Tishrei one should therefore say [[Birchat Ilanot]] in those months rather than in Nissan.<ref>Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:17) </ref> | ||
==Procedure== | ==Procedure== | ||
# It is preferable to gather a [[minyan]] (10 people) in order to make the Bracha of Birchat Ilanot. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 12), Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:14) </ref> | # It is preferable to gather a [[minyan]] (10 people) in order to make the Bracha of Birchat Ilanot.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 12), Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:14) </ref> | ||
# It is better for one person to say the Bracha out loud and everyone else to say it quietly to themselves. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 12) </ref> | # It is better for one person to say the Bracha out loud and everyone else to say it quietly to themselves.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 12) </ref> | ||
# A blind person cannot make Birchat Ilanot, however, it is proper to listen to the Shaliach Tzibbur make the Bracha. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 28) </ref> | # A blind person cannot make Birchat Ilanot, however, it is proper to listen to the Shaliach Tzibbur make the Bracha.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 28) </ref> | ||
# One may make the Bracha even if one sees the tree through a window, glasses including sunglasses.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 29), Atret Paz Birchat Ilanot p. 156 based on Shaarei Teshuva 426 </ref> | # One may make the Bracha even if one sees the tree through a window, glasses including sunglasses.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 29), Atret Paz Birchat Ilanot p. 156 based on Shaarei Teshuva 426 </ref> | ||
#Preferably the Bracha should be recited on trees located outside of the city. <ref> Chazon Ovadia page 8, Kaf Hachayim 226:3 quoting Lev Chayim 45. </ref> | #Preferably the Bracha should be recited on trees located outside of the city.<ref> Chazon Ovadia page 8, Kaf Hachayim 226:3 quoting Lev Chayim 45. </ref> | ||
==Seeing the Trees through Glass or a Video== | ==Seeing the Trees through Glass or a Video== | ||
# A person can recite Birkat Hailanot by seeing the trees through glass such as if he sees them through a window with glass.<ref>Ateret Paz (Birkat Hailanot p. 155). As a proof he cites Yechava Daat 4:18:11 that a person can recite birkat hachama through a window.</ref> | # A person can recite Birkat Hailanot by seeing the trees through glass such as if he sees them through a window with glass.<ref>Ateret Paz (Birkat Hailanot p. 155). As a proof he cites Yechava Daat 4:18:11 that a person can recite birkat hachama through a window.</ref> | ||
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==How many trees are needed to be able to make Birchat Ilanot?== | ==How many trees are needed to be able to make Birchat Ilanot?== | ||
# Some poskim hold that one should only make the Bracha upon seeing two fruit trees. <ref> Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 13-5 note 9), Sh"t Tzitz Eliezer 12:20(6). Halachot Ketanot 2:28 writes that one can only recite the bracha when seeing two trees. </ref> However, many poskim hold that one may make the Bracha even on one tree. <ref>Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:11) writes that according to the strict law one may make [[Birchat Ilanot]] on one tree. Betzel Chachma 6:36:6, Kaf Hachaim 226:2, and Teshuvot Vihanhagot 1:191 agree. [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=57967 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Vayhakel Pekudei 5778 min 18-25] explained that the strict law is that one can recite the birchat ilanot on one tree and if it will cause bitul torah or the like one may recite the bracha on one tree.</ref> | # Some poskim hold that one should only make the Bracha upon seeing two fruit trees.<ref> Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 13-5 note 9), Sh"t Tzitz Eliezer 12:20(6). Halachot Ketanot 2:28 writes that one can only recite the bracha when seeing two trees. </ref> However, many poskim hold that one may make the Bracha even on one tree.<ref>Nitei Gavriel ([[Pesach]] 6:11) writes that according to the strict law one may make [[Birchat Ilanot]] on one tree. Betzel Chachma 6:36:6, Kaf Hachaim 226:2, and Teshuvot Vihanhagot 1:191 agree. [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=57967 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Vayhakel Pekudei 5778 min 18-25] explained that the strict law is that one can recite the birchat ilanot on one tree and if it will cause bitul torah or the like one may recite the bracha on one tree.</ref> | ||
# It's sufficient to have two trees of the same type but it is preferable to have at least two different types of trees. <ref> Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 14), Halachot Ketanot 2:28. Kaf Hachayim 226:2 says also that it does not need to be 2 separate types. </ref> | # It's sufficient to have two trees of the same type but it is preferable to have at least two different types of trees.<ref> Chazon Ovadyah ([[Pesach]] pg 14), Halachot Ketanot 2:28. Kaf Hachayim 226:2 says also that it does not need to be 2 separate types. </ref> | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category:Brachot]] | [[Category:Brachot]] | ||
